Can someone recommend a good basic fountain pen?

Legion said:

I just "accidentally" ordered eight of these, in different colours. (The pens cost less than the postage).

I don't have super high hopes, but they actually get OK reviews online. At the price I paid they can be an expendable work pen, if they work.

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Wish me luck. Eight, count them, eight Chinese Lamy knock-offs. What's the worst that could happen?

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Legion said:

...eight Chinese Lamy knock-offs. What's the worst that could happen?

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One of my last experiences was a ruined shirt. I think these may be better and I'll give one a run when it gets to me, I ordered a red clone.

nemo said:

One of my last experiences was a ruined shirt. I think these may be better and I'll give one a run when it gets to me, I ordered a red clone.

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I've only played with one for one night, but so far, so good. It filled, hasn't exploded ink all over the place. The nib seems pretty reasonable, laying down a fair bit of ink, without skipping and reasonably smooth on the paper. I don't have a Lamy to compare, but I doubt they are much better in terms of performance. Materials and finish, maybe.

I am going to take another one to work and try it out for a few days.