HELP!! I want to write with a fountain pen.

**Isaac** · 08-06-2012, 10:41 PM

I see a great deal of threads asking what pen should I buy. Sometimes things are detailed, while others give general recommendations. I hope that this might be a guide for those looking to find a centralized thread of pen information for recommendations, and with justification.

I have to say that the pen I recommend to the new user is a TWSBI. It is the only pen that I own, that I feel will not become damaged when handing it over to a novice user. Now there are arguments at to cost/quality/durability, but I find this pen is beneficial for the following reasons.

1) This is a demonstrator pen. It shows the workings of the pen, and makes it easy for the lay person to see what is going on. It also tends to attract the attention of curious people. In general, people like to see how things work, and this pen delivers.

2) It has many videos that show the takedown, cleaning, and tuning of the pen. So it gives a good example for those that want to start to tinker with their pen.

2) The pen is available as a piston fill or vacuum fill mechanism. Now this is my personal opinion, but I would rather buy this filling method than a converter/cartridge. I find that it adds a bit of value to the pen, and people tend to think they have a bit more "value" since it is built into the pen.

3) TWSBI customer service is pretty good. I know Speedy will work with the consumer to resolve any issues with his pens. He wants a pleased customer that wants to use his pen.

4) The nibs can be changed on this pen rather easily. You can buy individual nibs that will screw into the main body of the pen. This opens up a cheaper alternative, so to speak, instead of buying multiple pens.

Now of course I have to lay a disclaimer that I dont represent the company, these are my views, and etc etc. These of course are my opinions, and again would like to receive other member's view of what is an all around great starter pen with justification. I would truly love to learn, so that I can continue to give the best advice to those wanting to write with a fountain pen.

**Dave258** · 08-07-2012, 05:58 AM

Great post Isaac! I am a big fan of TWSBI also, and though I know we have all heard of the seldom cracking issue, I would also recommend them to new users for many of the same reasons you do.
Another pen I give as a recommendation for someone not wanting to spend that much is a Lamy Safari. I feel like Safaris are indestructible. They are another great pen IMO, and though they are a c/c pen, they also have easily changeable nibs for different writing experiences.

**Mr5x5** · 08-07-2012, 05:15 PM

Can't disagree with the logic. Never held one. For me ergonomics and price are the deciding factor. It could be as ugly as sin, but if it feels good in my hand and writes well for a fair price I don't care.

**Isaac** · 08-08-2012, 11:04 AM

I thought I would have had a few more responses to this post. I may label this one an epic fail...haha

**maxman** · 08-08-2012, 11:33 AM

I haven't had any luck with TWSBI, but that was some time ago.
I will say that the customer service is excellent should anyone have a problem.
Eventually they will work all the bugs out.

Your post is great. It has the rationale with the decision. That's important.
Sometimes in directing people to products we forget to tell them why we recommend such products.

**DunEdinRanger** · 08-08-2012, 07:27 PM

I have recommended the Pilot 78G as a starter because of the low price and the fact that it comes with a converter and cartridges. Online, it can be found for under $10, shipped.

It's a reliable pen, looks nice, won't break the bank, and is a good entry to the world of Fountain Pens.

**brianw** · 08-08-2012, 07:36 PM

Sorry Isaac... I can't agree with youse !!!

**Isaac** · 08-08-2012, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by brianw

Sorry Isaac... I can't agree with youse !!!

Im not expecting anyone to agree. I was hoping for others to make a post along the same lines of mine with their recommendation..

Like I said..it seems it was an epic fail

**Mr_Spiffy** · 08-08-2012, 08:04 PM

I hope this thread continues! I'm interested in learning about fountain pens, and currently only have a Pilot Plumix to mess around with. It writes okay, but I'm not a huge fan of the italic nib. Nor do I enjoy the feel of the nib scratching along on the paper. I'm assuming that nicer pens don't feel this way. Can't wait to try a nicer FP.

C'mon, people! What are other good FPs for us noobs!

**Dave258** · 08-09-2012, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by brianw

Sorry Isaac... I can't agree with youse !!!

So Brian, what FP do you suggest to someone who is wanting to try it out before they go all in? I know you love 51's, do you tell them to go right for one of those? They can be had for around the same money as a TWSBI 540 if you look around, I got my first one for $50.

I forgot about the Pilot 78G. It actually was my first FP, until my Safari came a couple days later (lucky it did!). I found the 78G to be very lite, and the fine nib I had was like writing with a needle! I PIF'ed it off, but I still want to pick up a 78G broad/stub to try out.

**brianw** · 08-09-2012, 11:51 AM

The Pilot, a 51 special, a estie, there are a plethra of them at a better price and a better pen IMHO

**maxman** · 08-09-2012, 11:59 AM

I haven't owned any pens that one would consider for a starting point (other than a 51 special as Brian suggests).
I don't think I can add much.

**Jim** · 08-09-2012, 12:34 PM

One pen that can be a good place to start for a small price is a Parker 45. While they are the ugly stepchild of the 51- they do write well, have interchangeable nibs and can be sourced on eBay for only a few dollars. Plus they look like a fountain pen.

The reality is it does not really matter where you start, you will be in the next group buy anyway.

**Isaac** · 08-09-2012, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by Jim

One pen that can be a good place to start for a small price is a Parker 45. While they are the ugly stepchild of the 51- they do write well, have interchangeable nibs and can be sourced on eBay for only a few dollars. Plus they look like a fountain pen.

The reality is it does not really matter where you start, you will be in the next group buy anyway.

isnt that the truth. No one really stops with the pen they started with. I am anxiously awaiting to hear from a few peeps come Monday

**Dave258** · 08-09-2012, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Jim

The reality is it does not really matter where you start, you will be in the next group buy anyway.

Couldn't have put it better, Jim!

**DunEdinRanger** · 08-09-2012, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by jim

the reality is it does not really matter where you start, you will be in the next group buys anyway.

ftfy

**Suzuki** · 08-10-2012, 03:01 AM

I think the best pens for a newbie or the fountain pen curious are both inexpensive and readily available at a B&M store - I typically recommend Preppys and Lamy Safaris as good starter pens. In terms of vintage pens, I think an Parker with an aerometric fill system is a no-brainer but there are lots of others - basically a good starter pen should work reliably and cost below $25 to $30.

**Mr5x5** · 08-10-2012, 02:21 PM

My first was a Preppy. Nothing wrong other than it was too small. The Pelikano Jr. was a better size but had to duct tape the cap within a month because of all the cracks. Love the way a Plumix writes, dislike the way it feels. Had a Parker 21 and liked the way it looked and wrote (when it would write) just a little small for my hand. Ahab is the tool of choice for now, but I wouldn't say I found my ideal pen. Visited a B&M when I went to the big city and saw some nice Deltas but no way on earth I could justify that cost for something to write with. As with all things on B&B, YMMV.