Which pen?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Permalink Reply by Anton Ninno on June 16, 2009 at 6:33pm

Greetings - To answer your question, go the jetpens.com site and order a Pilot Vpen. It's exactly the same as the Varsity pen, but has a fine point nib. Like you, I prefer fine and sometimes even extra-fine nibs. But I have discovered that the Japanese nib sizes run smaller than with American and European nibs. Get yourself an extra-fine Japanese pen - a quality pen - like a Pilot Namiki Falcon or a Sailor 1011 in an extra-fine nib and you'll be working hard not to tear up the paper as you write. They're like little needle razors! The other thing you need to know is that even though I have some very nice pens, almost none of them work as flawlessly as the silly little Varsity. No joke. The Varsity and Vpen will always write immediately, even after sitting unused for weeks. Many high-priced pens can't match that reliability. It must the ink. So if you buy some of the "better" pens recommended by other posters, like the Lamy Safari and the better Pilots, be prepared to spend time learning how to clean and refill them. And buy some rubber gloves to help keep your hands clean, too! Meanwhile, please join my Facebook group for the Pilot Varsity fountain pen. See you there. Don't be square!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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