Fountain Pen Information

**nailhat** · 05-07-2010, 10:53 AM

So I'm looking at dipping my toe in the waters of fountain pens. I looked through a couple threads here and browsed the internet a bit, but I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a good starting point.

Is there a website that will give me an introduction to the basics? i.e.: what to look for, what to avoid, general care, places to buy, etc.

If anyone has any tips I'd love to hear them. It's such a luxury to have so many knowledgeable gents here at BandB. Thanks in advance.

**SmoovD** · 05-07-2010, 11:30 AM

Give fountainpennetwork a shot. It is like B&B for fountain pens.

**danek** · 05-07-2010, 11:32 AM

Agree. www.fountainpennetwork.com But, be warned; that can be a very expensive hobby you're fiddling with - fantastically pleasurable, but expensive.

**nailhat** · 05-07-2010, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by SmoovD

It is like B&B for fountain pens.

I almost used that exact phrasing in my post! Thanks for the tip.

**SmoovD** · 05-07-2010, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by danek

Agree. www.fountainpennetwork.com But, be warned; that can be a very expensive hobby you're fiddling with - fantastically pleasurable, but expensive.

+1

However, I stay strictly on the "cost effective" side of the pen spectrum. The most I have paid for a FP is $30 and I have a mess of them that cost me $2-$5 each. I use them at work and I could hardly be too upset if a cheap Wing Sung walks away.

**Shabubu** · 05-07-2010, 12:54 PM

Fountainpennetwork is the place to start. Also look at David isaacsons site (vacumania) for vintage Parkers, richard binder sells new pens but tweaks and regrinds nibs and opera doc (on eBay) sells a lot of high end maki e pens. Just beware fountain pena get very very expensive. I have 3-4 pens worth 900 usd each, and I wasn't even that into it in my heyday.

**Bill Smith** · 05-07-2010, 03:58 PM

+1on http://fountainpennetwork.com and I will warn you fountain pens could be safer, not cheaper than drugs.

**andrew98** · 05-07-2010, 04:21 PM

I'm into relatively inexpensive ($10 to $50), modern fountain pens. There are a lot of great value pens out there. I'd say try a Parker Frontier ($15) and/or a Waterman Phileas ($35 or so) to start with, unless you can find a Waterman Laureat (mine cost me $30, and it's my favorite pen). Those are iconic brands and wonderful starter examples from each company. Make sure to pick up some quality paper, too. I like Rhodia. Enjoy!

-Andy

**Benthic** · 05-07-2010, 05:15 PM

I've gotten some fairly inexpensive fountain pens, that have held up well to daily use from Levenger. Look carefully though because not everything they carry is a fountain pen. They have rollerballs too.

Brian

**BEAR DEN** · 05-07-2010, 08:30 PM

+1 on the Waterman Phileas.

**Uncle Erik** · 05-07-2010, 09:59 PM

Fountain Pen Network is a good resource. However, check to see if there is a dealer or repairman nearby. You could get a chance to handle and try a pen before you buy, which is a good idea. You might even turn up a nearby show, and those are a great place to swing a deal and handle a lot of different pens to find out what you like.

**andrew98** · 05-09-2010, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by BEAR DEN

+1 on the Waterman Phileas.

Click on the Super Specials tab and there's a Phileas on the last page for $40. That's a good price, imo.

-Andy

**Philosophy Student** · 05-11-2010, 09:32 PM

I agree

As a fountain pen user, it is not the pens that really hit the pocket. It is the paper that you want to use that takes fountain pen ink well. I am pretty much ruined paper wise, even with cheap gel rollers as they tend to feather and bleed on any paper. Something i wish never happened because now im using expensive rhodia paper.... ah jeeze. At least I only have very little of it and a couple dollars invested. I think it will get more expensive if i dont tame the desire.

Pelikan fountain pens are my favorites by far.

**Menhir** · 05-11-2010, 10:03 PM

I use fountain pens exclusively but I'm not a collector by any stretch of the imagination. My Waterman Phileas is still my favorite. Decent price (going higher all the time, though.) and a great, consistent, performer.

As long as we're on the subject (not to hijack the thread), I've been using the same Phileas daily for years with Parker Quink in the converter. A couple of months ago I switched to Noodler's Blue Eel and the converter began leaking all over the place. Anyone else have the same experience with this ink? I'm using up the little plastic ink cartridges I've had sitting around for years until I order a new converter.

**SmoovD** · 05-12-2010, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by Menhir

I use fountain pens exclusively but I'm not a collector by any stretch of the imagination. My Waterman Phileas is still my favorite. Decent price (going higher all the time, though.) and a great, consistent, performer.

As long as we're on the subject (not to hijack the thread), I've been using the same Phileas daily for years with Parker Quink in the converter. A couple of months ago I switched to Noodler's Blue Eel and the converter began leaking all over the place. Anyone else have the same experience with this ink? I'm using up the little plastic ink cartridges I've had sitting around for years until I order a new converter.

Not that particular problem with Noodler's inks but I have not had great success with the few Noodler's I have tried. They have some awesome colors, I will grant that. Just yesterday I toying with the idea of giving them another shot.

**Razor&Pens** · 05-12-2010, 10:02 AM

Go to a pen show.

**Menhir** · 05-12-2010, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by SmoovD

Not that particular problem with Noodler's inks but I have not had great success with the few Noodler's I have tried. They have some awesome colors, I will grant that. Just yesterday I toying with the idea of giving them another shot.

I like the ink and I'm reluctant to stop using it, but I don't like leaking converters. I checked the fountain pen forums but there is no help there: Some people say some Noodler's Inks can cause problems, others refusing to believe it and demanding scientific research to prove it or die.

A lot of useless vitriol and I'm staying out of it.

In any case, I've decided to chuck the converter (no point in getting another one if I end up with the same problem) and get a syringe to fill one of the empty plastic cartridges directly from the bottle. Problem solved.

To the OP: Sorry about the side discussion.

Get thee a Waterman Phileas...a great pen.

**craig87c** · 05-12-2010, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Menhir

I checked the fountain pen forums but there is no help there: Some people say some Noodler's Inks can cause problems, others refusing to believe it and demanding scientific research to prove it or die.

A lot of useless vitriol and I'm staying out of it.

Noodler's = Tabac!

**jzono1** · 05-13-2010, 07:11 AM

What am I doing wrong when my fountain pen dries up quickly? It's a cheap Hero, and it's dry almost every time I need it.

Do I just need to write more often, or something like that?

Do better pens stay wet longer?