WTB: A Fountain Pen

Tell me this isn't happening.

I had FPAD for a couple of years, then I went to automatic watches. Then, about a year ago, I started with DE shaving.

Now, back to fountain pens?

If a Mod thinks this post needs to be moved, please do so.

This has drifted away from a BST discussion/

Sluggo said:

This is a shot in the dark, but in the interest of doing things the old fashioned way...

Anyone out there want to part with an average fountain pen? This would be my first so I don't want something that will explode all over my suits.

Thanks everyone!

If you don't have one, your suggestions on which pen I should be looking for would be helpful!

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Wouldn't want to part with it, as I use my Sheaffer to write letters. Yes, actual letters on linen paper. I like my old Sheaffer, made in Fort Madison, Iowa, and can still recommend them. There are probably better, or at least more expensive, pens out there, but for about $60 a very good pen. And, yes, I can carry it in my pocket without fear of leaking.

MikeLip said:

Ah, the VP. I had to buy a couple of them before I realized I hate them

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That's too bad. I really like the vanishing points.

Another good website to feed the addiction is www.nibs.com

I think John Mottishaw is a great restoration specialist. He restored my great grandparents' and grandparents' pens for me (all old Parkers, each engraved with their names... way cool). He did a wonderful job.

Good luck with your new AD, Sluggo. I have some good modern starter pens for sale if anyone needs one. Clearing out my collection... most of it.

FPs were also my obsession before shaving. They're very useful, satisfying tools to start using. I have a half dozen or so I rotate through. I highly recommend owning A FP.

-Andy

Gee, thanks Sluggo.

But seriously, some of you say the Lamy nibs are on the wide side? I have the medium, and a spare italic nib. One of these days I will work on improving my handwriting. The italic even makes my chicken scratch kinda elegant.

Sluggo said:

Well I took the plunge and ordered a Lamy Al-Star (in Ocean Blue), a converter, and black pelikan ink...shipped under $50. Not too bad, but I am sure it will get worse.

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Nice pull. I don't think that anyone has ever been disappointed with a Lamy.

RayG said:

Depends on what you are looking for. For a vintage, I'd look for one that's been restored. For a new pen, I usually recommend a Pelikan M600 or M400. I'd get them from Richard Binder.

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+1 on Mr. Binder. He is a true Nibmeister(one who takes the good and ordinary fountain pen and makes it AWESOME.) He even does touch-up work on brand new pens that he sells just to make sure his customers are happy. Super nice guy to deal with too.

hkfrost said:

Are fountain pens pretty much out of the question for left handers, being that the hand drags along the wet ink smudging and making a mess?

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Google "over the top left handed." It's a way of holding a pen without dragging your hand.

erudolph said:

I'm interested in hearing feedback on how you like it. This thread sent me to the shelf where I found a couple of old Esterbrooks... and a Namiki Vanishing Point fountain pen that I'd forgotten I had....

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Hooooooooray Esterbrook. The crack cocaine of fountain pens. Easy to find, cheap, and an AD all of their own.

Esterbrooks are indeed an AD all their own. I'm getting rid of 5 right now.

A Pilot 78 G is one of my favorite pens. It's dirt cheap, has a unique filling mechanism, and the broad stub nib is very smooth to write with. Fun pen. Note: The cap screws on.

-Andy

Check out a Reform. It's a great inexpensive fountain. I think it writes wonderfully.

I think that was #1,000,000, Tim Ol boy !!



I'll say I really love my 1950's Parker 51. Never a problem, always writes nice and smooth

Anyone have any recommendations where to pick up ink cartridges at a decent price? The 2 cartridges my Newton is coming with should last me awhile, but still would like to know a reputable place to get them from.

linuxidiot said:

Anyone have any recommendations where to pick up ink cartridges at a decent price? The 2 cartridges my Newton is coming with should last me awhile, but still would like to know a reputable place to get them from.

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Locally, you can probably pick some up from Office Depot, Staples and Paradise Pen. On the internet, you can pick them up here:

http://swisherpens.com/

When I get home today I will have a Lamy waiting for me!!

Sluggo said:

When I get home today I will have a Lamy waiting for me!!

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Nice! I am waiting on mine to arrive, I have been anxiously checking my mailbox for my pen!

thanks Austin, I wasnt sure if there was anything different about the cartridges or not

Sluggo said:

When I get home today I will have a Lamy waiting for me!!

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Excellent! My Charcoal Safari EF is my go-to workhorse.

If you like fountain pens, I find pentrace.com to be friendlier and more accessible than fountain pen network. There is a "green board" at pentrace where you can get great deals on fountain pens.

Agree that Richard Binder is the best. richardspens is a great place to shop.

Finally, check out edisonpen.com. This guy named Brian Gray designs and makes his own pens. They're beautiful and can be completely custom ordered. He also has a web cam where you can watch him making pens on the lathe.

(I've had FPAD for about 15 years. I have lots and lots of pens, including pretty much all the ones mentioned in this thread and a bunch more up into the $300-$400 range.)

linuxidiot said:

Anyone have any recommendations where to pick up ink cartridges at a decent price? The 2 cartridges my Newton is coming with should last me awhile, but still would like to know a reputable place to get them from.

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I wouldn't count on 2 cartridges lasting more than maybe a week of writing (give or take a week since I don't know who much writing you'll be doing or how much ink will flow out of the pen).

I refill cartridges. It's really easy and allows you to top them off. I use a syringe and IV catheter tip.

PS: another really good source for pens with excellent prices is Pam Braun http://oscarbraunpens.com. Excellent reputation; she doesn't do any nib customizing though.

linuxidiot said:

Anyone have any recommendations where to pick up ink cartridges at a decent price? The 2 cartridges my Newton is coming with should last me awhile, but still would like to know a reputable place to get them from.

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You may also want to consider changing to a converter. You will be able to use bottled ink. It will be more economical and the choice of ink colors is astounding.

Well I was glad to see this thread and start doing some research, but now I find out fountain pens pose some issues for lefties? Any lefties here at badger & blade who write with them?

silvanos said:

Well I was glad to see this thread and start doing some research, but now I find out fountain pens pose some issues for lefties? Any lefties here at badger & blade who write with them?

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I'm a righty, but plenty of lefties use FPs. My understanding is that there can be some some smudging issues and adaptations to make. You might want to check out http://www.fountainpennetwork.com for more info.

Austin said:

You may also want to consider changing to a converter. You will be able to use bottled ink. It will be more economical and the choice of ink colors is astounding.

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Another fine idea. I forgot to mention it (duh) as I prefer the higher capacity of a refilled cartridge to a converter. But either way works fine.

I just got into fountain pens last week and now I'm a proud owner of a Waterman Phileas and a 1940's Sheaffer Vacuum-Fil with a Triumph nib. I'll be sending the Sheaffer off to be restored soon. Of course, with the fountain pen addiction you're going to have to try out tons of different notebooks and papers. There's a whole Moleskine notebook movement going on out there. I picked one up at Barnes and Noble the other day, and then I picked up a couple of Moleskine clones at Staples and Target (Markings by C.R.Gibson).