Ordered my first pen.. ink question

[Jaybh1974]

Well I figured that ASAD, and SBAD wasnt enough, so I decided to order my first fountain pen. I started out pretty inexpensive and ordered a Lamy Safari .
My question is, if I dont want to use cartridges, what is the best ink to use for it? I have read that Noodlers does not work too good with the Safari, as it tends to clog. Any suggestions?

[maxman]

I use Private Reserve in my pens.
Noodlers is very good ink and easily comparable.

My favourite colour in the Private Reserve is American Blue.

[Jaybh1974]

Thanks.. I will be sure to check that out.. I am pretty excited to start my new addiction

I use Private Reserve in my pens.
Noodlers is very good ink and easily comparable.

My favourite colour in the Private Reserve is American Blue.

[aimsport]

Well I figured that ASAD, and SBAD wasnt enough, so I decided to order my first fountain pen. I started out pretty inexpensive and ordered a Lamy Safari .
My question is, if I dont want to use cartridges, what is the best ink to use for it? I have read that Noodlers does not work too good with the Safari, as it tends to clog. Any suggestions?

I would use any US Noodlers ink in my Lamy Safaris except for Baystate Blue.

No clogging at all. Violet Vote, Luxury Blue, Noodlers Black, La Reine Mauve, Borealis Black, Heart of Darkness, Manhattan Black...

[Jaybh1974]

So you have had no clogging problems? thats good to know.. I have heard great things about Noodlers.

[maxman]

If you're going to pick up some ink, have a look at some quality paper too.
Rhodia pads are well regarded. Arches paper is favoured by artists and printers. Clairefontaine and Triomphe are another couple.

You can't take your new Ferarri on a dirt road now can you?

[Jaybh1974]

That is such a great analogy. Great, now I am googling different types of papers and what good sites to order them from.. lol

[maxman]

Do some research on "feathering" and "bleed"
You'll see why the paper is important.

Not necessary I must say, but it makes the experience better.

I'm picking up some Rhodia pads today.

[Jaybh1974]

I guess, just like shaving, there is a lot to it.
With shaving, there are blades, brushes, creams, razors, aftershaves, etc.

With pens, there are nibs, pens, inks, papers, pads, etc.

[pal]

Just to chime in.....today I am using a Cross Solo Radiance pen with Chocolate coloured Private Reserve ink. This is a very adequate ink with a great retro look.

[Jaybh1974]

chocolate colored ink.. sounds delicious

[Miles]

I have a couple of Lamy safaris and neither of them clog with Noodler's ink. Do, however, keep away from the baystate blue, which I understand has a number of compatibility issues.

Here's what I have personally used with no trouble: Noodler's bulletproof black, Tulipe Noire, Legal Lapis (my favorite!), Polar Blue, Squeteague, and a Diamine brand Steel Blue.

Have fun trying out new inks and paper and all that! Be sure to check out the extensive ink reviews on the fountain pen network http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/

[Jaybh1974]

so is fountainpennetwork the b and b of the pen industry?

[maxman]

We've sunk our hooks in you... no turning back...
FPN is quite the resource.
I hope you don't have anything important to do today.

[Jaybh1974]

well I am in my office, but I closed my door.. All work is now pushed to the side, while I browse B and B, and pen sites.. yep, its all downhill from here. lol

[HesNot]

Oh boy - hang on!

I am a big fan of Waterman Florida Blue as a solid all around great performing ink in any pen choice. It is a "foundation" ink for that I use to test all new pens even if I don't keep it in them long term. It isn't perfect for everyone but it is pretty hard to beat. I'd start with something like that before exploring the wild world of inks including the more boutique ones.

I own and use inks from Waterman, Noodlers, Private Reserve, Diamine, Pilot and Lamy. I admit Private Reserve initially was a great choice but I've found the long dry times and tendency to smear even on good paper not to my liking - but others love it so as with shaving stuff individual tastes and experiences vary widely.

My second favorite ink is Diamine WES Imperial Blue, with Noodlers La Couleur Royale third.

As you can see I have a thing for blue inks!

[Groat]

As far as paper and inks go, you may want to look at GouletPens.com. They have a feature called the 'swab shop' where you can take a look at all sorts of different inks side by side in order to decide exactly what you'd like. They carry a decent selection of inks and paper. If you have questions, they're quite prompt with emails. Shipping is prompt and packaging is more than adequate. I've had several great transactions with them.

Jetpens and Pear Tree Pens are other online retailers I hear good things about on FPN, but I haven't had any dealings with either and cannot personally comment on them.

You shouldn't have a problem using any fountain pen ink in your pen; my Lamy is a wet enough writer that it'll take whatever I give it.

[maxman]

As far as paper and inks go, you may want to look at GouletPens.com. They have a feature called the 'swab shop' where you can take a look at all sorts of different inks side by side in order to decide exactly what you'd like. They carry a decent selection of inks and paper. If you have questions, they're quite prompt with emails. Shipping is prompt and packaging is more than adequate. I've had several great transactions with them.

+1. I've ordered my Rhodia pads from them.
They are excellent to deal with.

[HokieGeek]

As far as paper and inks go, you may want to look at GouletPens.com.

+1 They're quite excellent. Have a great variety of inks. Get some J. Herbin samples. Wonderful inks that have a bit of a vintage look to them.

so is fountainpennetwork the b and b of the pen industry?

Indeed! The members there are as helpful and dedicated to that hobby as these gents. Go say hi!

[orchestrion]

I thought I read that Rhodia pads don't really allow the ink to "set in" on the paper. It just dries "on top" of the page. Is that true?