Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Luke Hirschy on June 8, 2009 at 9:42pm

For under $100 fountain pens, I'm partial to Lamy Safari fountain pens, I own 6 (I think). You can get fine or extra fine nibs. It is at the $100 level where you can get some really nice gold nib pens. Another option are the higher range of Pilot pens, the fine is actually very fine. You can find some of the nicer fountain pens at jetpens.

Permalink Reply by Douglas Breault on June 8, 2009 at 11:50pm

I have bought from jetpens in the past and really like the website. I was intrigued by the Otho Tasche fountain pen for their small size and ability to fit into my pocket. I carry notecards in my pocket to jot down things or pass out information to someone - usually it's a creative spark since I enjoy writing. Realizing the importance of archival ink, I don't think I can buy that particular model since it uses cartridges only? I will look at what they have. I just am not sure what's good out there. Thanks for the suggestions.

Permalink Reply by Ted Phipps on June 9, 2009 at 3:43pm

As for cartridge/converter pens, I highly recommend the syringe filling system from Pear Tree Pens. Inexpensive, and allows you to refill cartridges and converters without making a mess. PTP also has an amazing ink sampling program where you can order tiny bottles of up to four inks for not much more than shipping costs. They have a great inventory of inks to choose from, and it's an excellent way to try new inks without investing in a whole bottle.

Not affiliated, just a very happy repeat customer.

Permalink Reply by Ryan Scott on June 9, 2009 at 5:51pm

Pilot Knight is a very fine pen. It is priced at around $35. The nib size is medium; however, Japanese pen nibs are different than European. A medium in Japanese nibs translates to fine in European nibs.
Good luck.

Permalink Reply by Clayton L on December 18, 2009 at 8:59pm

I totally agree with Ryan. I have a Pilot Knight currently, and have been very pleased with the performance so far. It's a great pen for the money.

Permalink Reply by crowbar on July 29, 2009 at 4:09am

If you have the time and want something beautiful I'd say you should scan ebay for a vintage pen and do any necessary repairs yourself. The information and parts are not hard to find, I can provide some links if you're interested.

Permalink Reply by Thad on July 29, 2009 at 5:43am

Never been disappointed with a Lamy or a Waterman!

I use a Waterman Harmonie on a daily basis to take notes in class/library/archive - http://www.waterman.com/en/style/pens/harmonie - but I don't know how much one would cost is the US.

Honestly, while we can give you a lot of information about what we like, for a pen, nothing beats trying one out. May I suggest that you find a good pen store - http://www.marcuslink.com/pens/review2.html (Glenn has a list of some of the best pen stores in the world) - and go try a handful of pens and nibs in your budget.

If you are like me and need fine or extra fine nibs, it is best that you call ahead to the store to be sure that they carry spare nibs for their pens. I have browsed many pen stores, found several pens that would have been in my pocket, but was (luckily) stopped by the fact that they did not carry a nib acceptable for my handwriting.

Permalink Reply by Seth on August 7, 2009 at 9:02am

I've got a Lamy Safari, and while it's not too impressive looking (except to the people who are all "omg you have a fountain pen!?!?") it's fine for general writing purposes. I bought it because I'd never owned a fountain pen before and didn't want to shell out $50 for something that I might not even like, but I'll eventually upgrade to something a little nicer.

Permalink Reply by Daniel Alcantara on December 20, 2009 at 4:37pm

I've got a Lamy Safari Al-Star that was like, $35-$40. I can't remember how much exactly. It's been serving me very well and the line isn't remarkably fine but it's a good pen. I'm using Noodler's Bulletproof Luxury Blue and it's great for general writing. Easy on the eyes as well.

Permalink Reply by Clifford Jake Jacobs on December 27, 2009 at 1:04pm

I agree with Luke in his recommendation of the LAMY fountain pens. Depending on where you purchase your pens, the LAMY Safari will cost you about $30.00. I would also suggest pens made by the ACME company, they'll cost you a little more, about $68.00, but they are fun to write with and the designs are always interesting.
As for archival ink: be careful. As you may know india ink is a no-no, as it will ruin your pen. The Diamine company, from England, makes a Registrar's Ink but it requires high maintenance as it is high in acidity and can corrode nibs that are not made of gold. Noodler's Bulletproof inks are great, they are forger resistant and offer permanency without harm or damage to your pen.
If you are in the New York area I can get you a 35% discount from my favorite pen store, Art Brown International.

Permalink Reply by Ryan Lee Waldron on March 31, 2011 at 4:18pm

I'm in a similar situation. I've never used a fountain pen before, and I think I'd like to start. I've looked a Parker and a Waterman. I'm not sure what weight of a line I would like the pen to produce. I currently use a Zebra F-402, and I like the line weight of most zebra pens, but would not want to go any thicker. Thoughts gentlemen?

 

Furthermore, I've heard some bad things about parker, but it does have a Royal Warrant, so it can't be total crap, can it?

Permalink Reply by Kevin Collier on April 3, 2011 at 7:51pm

If you can find a Waterman Phileas fine point, they are excellent pens. Also the vintage Parker 45s are absolutely superb writers. Pelikan makes excellent piston fillers but can be a bit pricey.

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