Recommendations for Starter Fountain Pen

[Shave Ice]

Aloha Gents.
I am interested in getting a fountain pen. I own a few Waterman ballpoint and rollerball pens already but am interested in get a fine fountain pen to sign important documents and such. I figure I'd like to spend around $100 to see if a fountain pen is right for me.

Any recommendations?

Or should I just go up town right away?

[TimmyBoston]

A Pelikan M200 from Richard Binder. He is a great pen maker who will examine your pen personally to ensure it works flawlessly before he sends it to you, his prices are also competitive with prices on Ebay, etc.

Depending on nib size it will run between $70-$100. A tremendous value, I will never give up mine.

http://www.richardspens.com/

Richard's Pens, without a doubt, your best option.

[Suzuki]

If you thought shaving acquisition disorders were bad, you've entered a whole new world with fountain pens!

The recommendation for Richard Binder's site is a good one - his ordering process is a little complicated because you order your pen body and nib in separate steps, but its no big deal.

Since its your first fountain pen, I would suggest sticking with a steel nib - that keeps the price down and the steel nibs are more forgiving of excess pressure being put on them by people who've used nothing but ball points their whole lives.

The Pelikan 200 series is an excellent range and Pelikan makes a very nice steel nib. The only thing you need to know is that the Pelikan is a piston-fill pen - the body of the pen holds the ink and this is filled with an internal "piston" operated by the end of the pen (it's actually threaded and turns) much like a syringe. This means you can ONLY use bottled ink - no refill cartridges.

A very good "starter" fountain pen is the Waterman Phileas - very nice classic lines, very good quality for the price. If you get this one, try to get it in a fine nib (a good pen shop should be able to change out the original nib/feed unit for free), as the standard medium nib is a little wide for most people's tastes - but may be just fine if you are primarily going to use it for signatures. A great pen that can be found for $50 or less - this was my first "good" fountain pen that I bought 10 years ago and I actually used it yesterday.

For around $100, you can find the Lamy 2000 (they generally sell for a bit over $100, but often can be found online/on sale for $100. This is a contemporary designed pen in a black and stainless design that some find a little austere - I think its great and the fact that the pen has been in production for over 40 years does say something in this regard. It is without a doubt one of the best buys in a quality fountain pen available today. The reason I say this is because you get a very good firm GOLD nib (almost all pens in this price range have steel nibs), a huge ink tank (piston fill - good mechanism, but a little more delicate that that of the Pelikans) in a nice size of pen (bigger than the Pelikan 200).

There are lots more recommendations and it really comes down to what you like in design - I tend to like more classic/simple designs - others like more modern/flashy.

For $100 you have lots of options and its largely a matter of personal taste.

The only thing I recommend is that if you do get a pen that takes the pre-filled ink cartridges, buy the converter, which allows you to use ink from a bottle.

This sounds fiddly, and it is at first, but the benefit is that you can use any brand of ink in a converter, while you're limited in what may be available in the cartridges. Also, bottled ink is way cheaper than the cartridges.

[Tony Miller]

The Phileas is a nice start, I have one I use quite often with a medium nib. I also have a Namiki Vanishing point that rarely leaves my hand with a very fine nib that suits my writing style better.

If interested in a cheap start I have a second Waterman Phileas, black, new in the box I'd be glad to sell for $30 shipped. Office Depoot has them for $39.88. Nice pen but my tastes have changed so that one of these is enough.

Tony

[jfrancisco]

I too recommend Richard Binder's pens. I have two m200s that he customized for me and I use them extensively. Every pen he sells, he adjusts the nib so that it works the way it should. I have a colleague who also likes fountain pens. He has all kinds of problems with his pens because the ink does not flow as it should and spends more time frustrated and using a ball point. Get one that works from the very beginning, that way you will have the opportunity to give fountain pens a real chance. I have from inexpensive pens up to several hundred dollar vintage Parker Pens and yet I always use my m200.

http://www.richardspens.com/

[Bahamianlvr]

I also recommend getting a pen from Richard Binder. I was fortunate enough to catch him at the D.C. pen show this year and bought my M200 from him there. You can be sure that the pen writes well when he sends it to you.

I'm really starting to love my Parker "51" special though. It never leaves my front pocket and I'm finding that I use my other pens just for journaling at this point. Richard also restores vintage pens with quite a few of them coming within your price range. There's something to be said about writing with a pen from the '40's... Kinda like shaving with a razor from the same period. They just don't make 'em like they used to.

Mind what Suzuki said though, fountain pens can be quite addictive!

[SilkySmooth]

It would depend on a few things:

1. The size of your hand or the size pen you would like

2. How often you are using it. If you're doing a lot of writing, you would probably prefer a plunger filling mechanism because they hold more ink.

3. The type of nib you prefer interms of flexibility, size (fine,med,bold,double bold), or italic versus regular. Also many older pens have more flexible nibs than new pens. Also the type of material makes a difference in the way the pen writes (14K is more flexible than 18K....Sounds like it should be the other way around because 18K is softer than 14K).

4. The reason why you're using it. Do you need something flashy for signing your name in front of others, or will it just be for personal use, or what? Do you want something new or used?

5. The earliest that you need the pen. Ebay has some great sales on pens, but you have to keep an eye out for them. I purchased a new Pelikan M1000 a couple of years ago for just under $100. That's great considered that it's retail price is $500.

==Tom

[farace]

I'm really starting to love my Parker "51" special though. It never leaves my front pocket and I'm finding that I use my other pens just for journaling at this point. Richard also restores vintage pens with quite a few of them coming within your price range. There's something to be said about writing with a pen from the '40's... Kinda like shaving with a razor from the same period. They just don't make 'em like they used to.

I most often switch between a "51" Special and a Sheaffer Statesman Snorkel. Richard is restoring a 1939 Vacumatic and a brown-striped Sheaffer Vac-fill for me now, as well as straightening the nib on a '70s Pelikan 120.

With a $100 budget, you can find some very nice pens, whether you decide on new or vintage.

[CyclicSheep]

I would recommend one of the Faber Castell Ambition pens.

I like the weight and balance of these pens, and they have a simple/elegant look to them. They are a bit too cylindrical and thin compared to typical pens, but I find that refreshing sometimes.

And like others mentioned, take note of other factors, like nib size.

If you have small loops in your handwriting, you'd probably want a finner nib size. When you go to the store, they typically offer a pad of paper and some ink for you to try out the pen and it's various nib sizes.

And then, after the pen, is paper! Clairefontaine paper might be a good place to start.

[doctorsimon]

I've always been happy with a Cross foutain pen, sadly lost two in the past few years. They've repaired without question nor delay in the past when I broke a pen by dropping it.

Good looking pens from a great company to deal with.

[Dennis]

I have a Lamy Safari, a Waterman Phileas and a Parker "51" Vacumatic. Among them, the Parker is far and away my favorite. The pen is absolutely perfect in my opinion. The Lamy is an outstanding value for $20 and if you are thinking about trying out a fountain pen, that is where I would start. No sense in spending $100 and then finding out it is not really for you. The Lamy comes in many different colors and schemes, it won't break your bank if you lose it, and it is a really, really nice writing pen. I use the Phileas just about everyday too. I am just not really enamored with the pen though. It is on the "fancier" side with gold tones and blue marbling and that is approaching a bit too much for my style. I got a great deal on it which was why I bought it. It too, though, is an excellent writing pen. The Namiki VP (esp in Orange) is on my WANT list.

Dennis

[Rufus]

As this is your first FP, I don't think you should go cheap. On the other hand, a quality new FP can easily be obtained for under $100. In this regard I'd recommend a Bexley Simplicity and a Pelikan M200, both of which can be purchased from Richard Binder for $85 and $70, respectively, plus shipping. Even less expensive is the Waterman Phileas, which I understand is a well-liked pen, but I've not used one. You may want to check-out the Fountain Pen Network for reviews on all three pens as well as other suggestions for an inexpensive FP.

[duna]

That's not a 'real' tip, but I used a Parker fountain pen (model '25') for 18 years with utmost satisfaction and without a single problem. Every time I wrote a page it was a total pleasure, a happy experience, to fly over every type of paper with that superb writing instrument. I never attained again such a pleasure in writing (and I used to write a lot) after an idiot lost the pen I used every day for eighteen years (the bigger idiot, myself, gave the pen to the lesser one, though). All others fountain pens are still in the drawer (including some nice ones, like the sterling silver Cross I bought trying to find a substitute) and I used disposable Bic pens since. Hmmm never tried a Pilot ... maybe...
Anyway, if you by chance spot a decent 25, buy it, and use it. It's a marvel. Strong but smooth, once adapted to your hand. I wrote up to 20 pages in two hours without a problem and with no effort, ballpens never came even close.

[Shave Ice]

It would depend on a few things:

1. The size of your hand or the size pen you would like

2. How often you are using it. If you're doing a lot of writing, you would probably prefer a plunger filling mechanism because they hold more ink.

3. The type of nib you prefer interms of flexibility, size (fine,med,bold,double bold), or italic versus regular. Also many older pens have more flexible nibs than new pens. Also the type of material makes a difference in the way the pen writes (14K is more flexible than 18K....Sounds like it should be the other way around because 18K is softer than 14K).

4. The reason why you're using it. Do you need something flashy for signing your name in front of others, or will it just be for personal use, or what? Do you want something new or used?

5. The earliest that you need the pen. Ebay has some great sales on pens, but you have to keep an eye out for them. I purchased a new Pelikan M1000 a couple of years ago for just under $100. That's great considered that it's retail price is $500.

==Tom

1. My hands are large. I like thick pens. I bought the Waterman ballpoint and rollerball pens because of their classic style and girth.

2. will probably use occasionally a few times a week.

3. I have always pressed really hard when I write. I used to routinely break the points off of lead pencils. I guess that means I need a hard nib.

4. I would be getting it for personal use. I am not one for flash for other people's approval. I like fine things that look unique and work well.

5. I am in no rush for the pen. I am a pateint person and am willing to wait until the right deal comes along.

Thanks for taking the time to help me understand what I maybe getting into.

[WithTheGrain]

Thanks to Shave Ice for posting this thread, I have been thinking about the same thing. After reading these posts, I think I figured out my first pen. I am looking at the Pelikan 215 over at Richard's Pens. It is based on the 200, which seems to be popular. Is this a decent choice? What do you guys think of nib choices? I figured going with medium to start, but who knows.

[rtaylor61]

I agree with Dennis about the Lamy Safari. It is my daily user, and if it gets lost, then I'm not out much. I don't use it daily because it is cheap, but because I enjoy using it. One other option to consider. OfficeMax and Office Depot both sell the Pilot Varsity Fountain Pen. It's a disposable. I bought a multi-pack for around $8 bucks (it's been a year or two) and found them reasonable. The quality of the ink is a bit lacking, but they write smooth, and you would get a chance to see how writing with a FP differs from what you are currently using.

Randy

[TimmyBoston]

OfficeMax and Office Depot both sell the Pilot Varsity Fountain Pen. It's a disposable. I bought a multi-pack for around $8 bucks (it's been a year or two) and found them reasonable. The quality of the ink is a bit lacking, but they write smooth, and you would get a chance to see how writing with a FP differs from what you are currently using.

Randy

That is a great suggestion, Randy! I had no idea there were even disposable pens, really a great way to try a fountain.

[Suzuki]

1. My hands are large. I like thick pens. I bought the Waterman ballpoint and rollerball pens because of their classic style and girth.

2. will probably use occasionally a few times a week.

3. I have always pressed really hard when I write. I used to routinely break the points off of lead pencils. I guess that means I need a hard nib.

4. I would be getting it for personal use. I am not one for flash for other people's approval. I like fine things that look unique and work well.

5. I am in no rush for the pen. I am a pateint person and am willing to wait until the right deal comes along.

Thanks for taking the time to help me understand what I maybe getting into.

Specific comments to your responses.

1) Then you may find the Pelikan 200 on the small size - I do, and I have very average-sized hands.

2) Then don't spend a lot - since it may collect dust most of the time. If you decide you want something nicer, that's great, but I would start at the cheaper end of the spectrum.

3) You definitely should stick with a steel nib - which will save you some $$.

4) Do you like classic or contemporary - the Lamy Safari is a very good pen for the $$ - if you like the contemporary design.

Seriously, you don't need to spend anywhere near $100 for a decent occasional use pen with a steel nib.

Here's a site with lots of good prices - I've linked you to the fountain pens by price page so you can take a look.

Lamy makes some very nice pens for under $100 - their steel nibs are great - firm and smooth. Also, I find that my Lamy pens don't tend to dry out - even if they're not used for some time - which is a consideration if your pen may go for extended periods without being used.

[WithTheGrain]

I agree with Dennis about the Lamy Safari. It is my daily user, and if it gets lost, then I'm not out much. I don't use it daily because it is cheap, but because I enjoy using it. One other option to consider. OfficeMax and Office Depot both sell the Pilot Varsity Fountain Pen. It's a disposable. I bought a multi-pack for around $8 bucks (it's been a year or two) and found them reasonable. The quality of the ink is a bit lacking, but they write smooth, and you would get a chance to see how writing with a FP differs from what you are currently using.

Randy

Thanks for the tip on these randy. I have decided that I want a pelikan m215 for christmas, but I picked up some varsity pens up today to hold me over. They cost 7.95 for 3, so same deal as it was for you.

[Shave Ice]

Thanks folks...I am going to pick up some of those disposables right now.
I had my eye on that Pelikan M215 too. The Lamy's maybe too contemporary for what I am looking for. Although the Parker 51's are very stylish.
I think something more traditional like the Waterman would be my style.

But I am going to hold off for now.

With the B & B Brush on its way to fruition I have to prioritize where my paycheck goes...the hazards of being afflicted with multiple ADs

Thanks for all the information everyone..