Anyone here write with fountain pens?

[xevious]

I know it's just wine, cheese, and cigars here, but perhaps someone might be writing a letter to a friend and... puts a nice fountain pen to use.

Anyone here write with them? :grin2:

[Carpe Diem]

I`ve been using fountain pens, on a regular EDC basis, ever since my college days and law school days in 1966-1973. (Yes...I AM longer in the tooth than I care to be! :rolleyes: :D )

For the last 20-25 years, I`ve been carrying two Mont Blanc Diplomat pens...one with a broad nib for signing letters, and a second one, with a medium nib, for general writing.

There is just something really nice about using a fountain pen. It does the job well...and with a flair and flourish that is otherwise often missing in life. All in all, it creates a degree of comfort and satisfaction in the world of writing that other pens and pencils don`t even begin to approach.

Long live the use of fountain pens! :thumbsup:

[AndyTiedye]

Same here. Who remembers Osmiroid pens? Who still has some?

[cy]

Sheafer white dot's for me.... but it's been a bit.

[xevious]

There is just something really nice about using a fountain pen. It does the job well...and with a flair and flourish that is otherwise often missing in life. All in all, it creates a degree of comfort and satisfaction in the world of writing that other pens and pencils don`t even begin to approach.

Long live the use of fountain pens! :thumbsup:I wholeheartedly agree! In this age of disposable writing instruments, it's a pleasure to use something that has some thoughtful engineering and style to it. I tend to use more vintage pens than modern.

In case anyone might be interested, there's a great forum devoted to fountain pens. Naturally called the "fountainpennetwork.com (http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/)". Check it out. :)

Osmiroid pens are still sold quite a bit on eBay, almost hand-in-hand with old Esterbrooks. Sheaffer's were quite respectible pens. I think Sheaffer made the most sophisticated filling system of all time (the "snorkel").

Also, if anyone would like to get better reacquainted with fountain pen design and technology, pay a visit to Richard Binder's website (http://www.richardspens.com).

[wacbzz]

I`ve been using fountain pens, on a regular EDC basis, ever since my college days and law school days in 1966-1973. (Yes...I AM longer in the tooth than I care to be! :rolleyes: :D )

For the last 20-25 years, I`ve been carrying two Mont Blanc Diplomat pens...one with a broad nib for signing letters, and a second one, with a medium nib, for general writing.



For having used fountain pens for that long, I am very surprised that you use Mont Blanc pens. They are looked on a notoriously bad pens among the "fountain pen community." I tend to say "whatever works for you," but most MB fp's are waaaaaaay overpriced for the trouble you have to go through to use them.

Now Pelikan's on the other hand...;)

[Carpe Diem]

Hi....

The Mont Blanc pens I use were bought quite some time ago, and fortunately have worked well for me. I will now check into Pelikan pens, however!

Take care!

:)

[wacbzz]

It's great that you have only had good experiences with your MB's. But do check out a Pelikan. You will not be disappointed.:)

[da.gee]

I love fountain pens but haven't had one in awhile. Are there any good values under $100?

[Tempest UK]

I enjoy writing with fountain pens and have done so for many years. Recently, though, the small size of the Fisher Space Pen Bullet has meant that my fountain pen has been retired to the pen pot. The Space Pen is just so easy to slip into a pocket and forget about until you need it.

Regards,
Tempest

[TedTheLed]

I have two montblanc diplomats too! they too are old and acquired much more cheaply than retail ;) -- I keep them in an otter box, I imagine it keeps the ink from drying out as quickly in the long periods between use!

one of the diplomats contains Noodlers 'bulletproof' ink, and the other the Noodlers quick drying ink, excellent for left handers like me, so it doesn't smear.

but for edc noodlering it's the Kaweco eye-dropper filled pen, mine is the clear plastic model from:

http://www.swisherpens.com/catalog/kaweco/kaweco.htm

they have noodlers ink too. if you ever had a page of handwritten text in Montblanc ink completely wash out when it got splashed, you'll appreciate the noodlers..(it's also good for check writing; can't be removed.)

also EDCforums has a great long thread on pens and paper.

[Carpe Diem]

Hi TedTheLed...

Thanks for the information!

:)

[AndyTiedye]

I enjoy writing with fountain pens and have done so for many years. Recently, though, the small size of the Fisher Space Pen Bullet has meant that my fountain pen has been retired to the pen pot. The Space Pen is just so easy to slip into a pocket and forget about until you need it.

This Lindauer fountain pen is only an inch longer than a Fisher Space Pen.

http://web.mac.com/andytiedye/Site/edc1.jpg

but still it's a full-sized pen when opened up.

http://web.mac.com/andytiedye/Site/edc.jpg

My wife just gave me a Pilot Petite, which is only about 1/4" longer than the Fisher Space Pen and a little fatter.

[stronzza]

I use a Pelikan M800 Medium nib....it sits on my desk and is used throughout the day...thinking about picking up the M1000 in a broad nib to carry for signing things and such.

The Pelikans are great...smooth line and nice flow. I recommend them highly.

cheers

[Lifesaver]

Does anyone know where to find either the Pilot Petite or the Lindauer model? I've tried a web search without result. Any help would be appreciated.

[Monocrom]

I stopped using fountain pens when it became clear that I write too fast for the pens to keep up with me. Bit tough to explain. But I don't use pens just for writing my signature. Then again, I was mostly using medium and fine point pens. Perhaps a broad nib would be better for my writing style.

I used to be a high-end Pen salesman working for Colorado Pen Co. (Now Paradise Pen).

Pelikans are indeed great.... The old joke at the store used to be, "Name the High-end German Pen Maker that makes some of finest pens on the planet."

Then we'd laugh at the "obvious" (wrong) answer that most customers would give if they were ever asked that question. :D

[mcmc]

I was briefly getting into FP's, then (probably luckily) dropped out =)

Do you guys favor the flexible nibbed ones?

I think I may want to pick up a Pelikan or two. I've completely forgotten what were the decent priced, beginner recommendations. I recall there was a model number that had translucent red, green, and blue bodied versions, and I think they even had piston refilling systems?

[bfg9000]

I enjoy writing with fountain pens and have done so for many years. Recently, though, the small size of the Fisher Space Pen Bullet has meant that my fountain pen has been retired to the pen pot. The Space Pen is just so easy to slip into a pocket and forget about until you need it.
You are carrying the wrong fountain pen
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/bfg10k/pens.jpg
From top to bottom,

Pilot G2
Parker Gel Refill (Red)
Space Pen Cap-O-Matic
Miniature fountain pen
Vintage Parker Jotter (Made in England, brass threads)

Yes, the fountain pen is the same diameter as the Parker refill
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/bfg10k/pens2.jpg

[Lifesaver]

You are carrying the wrong fountain pen
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/bfg10k/pens.jpg
From top to bottom,

Pilot G2
Parker Gel Refill (Red)
Space Pen Cap-O-Matic
Miniature fountain pen
Vintage Parker Jotter (Made in England, brass threads)

Yes, the fountain pen is the same diameter as the Parker refill
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/bfg10k/pens2.jpg

Where does one find such a small pen? Are refills difficult to find? More information would be appreciated.

[bfg9000]

It's a generic cheapie (sku #33887--they don't seem to have it anymore but it was a freebie at $0.01 with $10 purchase) I ordered from Yicheng (http://www.yichengtrading.com/) trading, which is perhaps the DX of fountain pens. It's made by Hero, which is like the Ultrafire of fountain pens, being best known for making clones of famous pens from history like the Parker 51 (http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=22687).

It uses a plunger reservoir like most inexpensive Chinese fountain pens, that lets you draw up ink from a bottle like a syringe, so no refills to buy. Like many such cheapie pens it wrote great straight out of the box, but some people get scratchy ones that need a little honing on brown paper grocery bags before they'll write better than the typical new Mont Blanc. Fountain pens are still widely used in China and India so remarkably good pens are very cheap there.

[Lifesaver]

bfg9000 (http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/member.php?u=7743),

Thank you for the informative reply. Following the link you posted, I went to Yi Cheng pens. I would up ordering a Hero 616. It was $20 plus shipping. I looked to see if the one you show was anywhere in their catalog; but, did not see it. Thanks again for the help.

[Monocrom]

I'm curious if any of you have experience with the fountain pens from Retro51.

Obviously not a direct competitor to Pelikan, but I like the look of the pens; and wanted to know if the nibs are at least decent.

Here's a link....
http://www.retro51.com/W_fountain.html

[pathalogical]

I like fountain pens also. A few years ago, I bought a couple of Sheaffers at Staples for about $10 each. I used them quite a bit around the house and for general writing in my scribbly book. I prefer the medium nib because I find the fine nibs tend to "scratch" the paper and sometimes the paper fibers get stuck in the nib. I haven't used them in a while, but have some ink cartridges in my desk...I like black ink. Also at Staples, they have a Calligrapghy writing set with various ink colours and nib widths and how to write those nice looking letters. I didn't buy it, I figured my handwriting is a bit messy and not very consistent.

Has anyone used calligraphy to write letters or birthday/anniversary cards ?

[Ray_of_Light]

I did it for a lifetime. I preferred a FP over the typewriter...
Today, I still EDC a Mount Blanc. Among those that I tested over the years, the MB are the less prone to leak when they impact on the desk.
Should we talk of special formulated inks? Go Pelikan.
Regards
Anthony

[MikeLip]

I use fountain pens as much as possible. My usual carry is a fairly pedestrian Pelikan M200 with one of Richard Binders cursive italic nibs. I love it. Also a Lamy 2000 which is a phenomenal pen. I thin the most fun ones though are the old Sheaffers. I like their cheapie lever fillers since they are absolutely perfect size for my hand and the nibs are super, and of course I have a few snorkels in there.

Ink? Noodlers Lux Blue. Lovely stuff. If I need black it's always Noodlers bulletproof.

I got my daughter hooked on 'em too. She stole my Sailor 1911M! Brat.

[MikeLip]

I love fountain pens but haven't had one in awhile. Are there any good values under $100?

Pelikan M200 - go to Swisher Pens. You just can't beat them. Even less is the M150, but I find it a little small.

If you can stretch a little, get one of the Binder nibs for it. I highly recommend one of Richard Binders cursive italics. Go to his website and buy both the pen and nib.

http://www.richardspens.com/?page=sales/newp_bex.htm

If you don't know how to specify the nib, call him! He will help you out. But you will end up under $100 and have an awesome pen.

[cy]

da.gee, it's totally possible to purchase a super high quality fountain pen for under $100.

but it's going to take a bit of digging.... some of my best pens, white dot sheafers were purchased at flea markets for under $50.

snagged two 50's white dots with 18k gold nibs in Pawhuska, OK, $25 for both. one worked perfect, other took a bit of work to get working.
what you want is the fat version with real gold nibs. with gold prices going nuts, prices may raise accordingly.

equal or better quality than modern pens costing hundreds $$

[da.gee]

Thanks you MikeLip and cy for your replies.

The threads on here and on CPF have renewed my interest in fountain pens. I went down to a local pen store and tried out a few FPs and ended up with a Waterman Carene fine point. It has really made taking notes and generally writing things very enjoyable. I put some Private Reserve Black Cherry in it. The pen itself is a great weight and size. I later find through my research that it gets very good reviews. I went in blind so I guess better lucky than good.

In the early 90's I purchased a Montblanc 144 which has been wallowing away unused for probably 15 years. I recently dug it out, cleaned it, got a converter and reloaded it with some nice Private Reserve DC Supershow Blue. I find this pen a little light for my tastes but still nice to write with.

I'm really having fun with both pens.

I also ended up over on Fountain Pen Network and see there are several sub $100 pens that look very promising. I'm not knowledgeable enough about nibs to spec anything. I know I write small and fast so that's probably a start. The Pelikan M200 looks great as well as the Lamy Studio or for a little more the Lamy 2000. All seem to get great feedback.

Why o why did I read this thread? The positive is I've never taken such good notes with clients or documenting my business activities. I can't wait to write!

Thanks again for your input.

[MikeLip]

The Lamy 2000 is an awesome pen. Smooth and should last forever. Remember that Lamy nibs are BROAD. A fine Lamy is a medium anything else. Extra fine is good.

The Studio is next on my list.

Seriously, give one of Richard Binders pregound italics and a Pelikan a try. You will love it, and it will give your handwriting extra character.

[kevinm]

I use one of the Sensa fountain pens. It has the gel comfort grip, never leaks, is very smooth, and holds 2 cartidges of the small type (or one large or the refillable bladder). Best of all, they are 75% off at one of the local pen stores as they have been discontinued. I think I paid $30 for it...

Kevin

[da.gee]

I keep looking at the white Lamy Studio. I must have put it in my cart 3 times and had to leave the computer. Control. Must control.

[pathalogical]

Are there any preferred types of paper to write on with FPs ? I find some types of paper let the ink bleed and spread and a very smooth type paper, the ink tends to sit on top and can be easily smudged or can take several minutes before you can run your finger over it or even turn to the next page.

[MikeLip]

Are there any preferred types of paper to write on with FPs ? I find some types of paper let the ink bleed and spread and a very smooth type paper, the ink tends to sit on top and can be easily smudged or can take several minutes before you can run your finger over it or even turn to the next page.

Go to the Fountain Pen Forums and check paper reviews. Yep - another candy store, just like CPF! A hard, smooth, uncoated paper works well, but sometimes you have to find the right combination. Cheap papers like that on a inexpensive brand writing pad from WalMart are trouble. Better papers like Clairfontaine work well. Some inks work better than others. Noodlers black is designed to not feather as far as possible for instance.

I have one pen however that simply floods the apaer with Noodlers, but behaves well with Private Reserve. Try a few different brands and see waht works well for you. The nature of fountain pens is that they work differently for different people, unlike ballpoints an rollerballs.

[Rowrbazzle]

but for edc noodlering it's the Kaweco eye-dropper filled pen, mine is the clear plastic model from:

http://www.swisherpens.com/catalog/kaweco/kaweco.htm

they have noodlers ink too.

What he said! A modded Kaweco is one of my EDC pens. Compact, tough as nails, if I lose it I'm only out $20. Oh, and with the Noodlers it writes nicely too. Next I want to try one of their rollerballs.

My other everyday pen? A 1949 Parker 51, with a fine point thats great for the narrow lines on a Moleskine. It still writes as well as anyone could ask for. For some reason I really like the idea of using a pen that's older than I am. And I found one thats basically identical to the pen my Dad carried for many years.

[9W6VX]

I bought a few Sheaffer fountain pens many years ago and mostly used the broad nib for signatures.

I gave up using them for general writing as I'm left handed and it's difficult to use a fountain pen when you are left handed!

I prefer to use gel ink pens now with broad points and they are all el-cheapo too. I don't feel the pain when I lose them!

:crackup::crackup::crackup::crackup::crackup:

[Gatsby]

I use fountain pens almost exclusively - I grew up using them then drifted away for a number of years, got back to using one more or less full time about 13 years ago. Like flashlights, I've bought, sold and traded more than I care to remember - but seem to stick around 8-10 pens at most times that I really like.

I'll second the vote for the Lamy 2000, just outstanding pens and mine is a true workhorse, but the EF nib is most definitely a fine by any standard.

Recently I've been using a fair number of Pilots - a Murex, a Volex and a vanishing point have all gotten a lot of use in the rotation.

I have too many inks - time to do a sell off! But my recent two favorites are Noodlers La Couleur Royale - a blue/purple ink and Noodlers Ellis Island Blue Black - both are really nice.

[designated_marksman]

I like pilots new V razor point(extra fine):whistle:

[da.gee]

Sure do, everday. My two work pens are a Lamy Pearl White Studio and a Lamy Al-Star. I carry a Namiki Vanishing Point in my bag.

Just got a Lamy Vista that I haven't even inked. I have a couple more that don't seem to make it in the rotation and they are my most expensive.

[jumpstat]

Sure do. I have a Sheaffer 18k, Cross 18k and also a bunch of Lamy fountain pen. IMO fountain pen writes better as one does not have to put huge amount of pressure to write unlike ball points execially when its new and haven't broken in yet.

[ShOgUn_LI]

Have you guys tried Namiki? Its now called Pilot Pens unfortunately... Other than that, i still love my long lasting Mont Blanc Misterstuck!

[jrmcferren]

I have been thinking about trying fountain pens for a while. Some lady on ebay sells them at a near disposable price with plenty of cartridges. I am also thinking about getting some of the disposable kind at Staples to try it out, I love rollerball pens due to the darkness of the ink. I think the liquid ink has something that the gels (another ink used in rollerball pens) and oil based (ballpoint) inks don't have. it is contrast. When I got my first rollerball when I was a kid, I liked to brag, "my pen can write darker than a copy machine."

[postonpost]

I have been recently wanting to get a nice Fountain Pen along with a matching Mechanical Pencil (i usually write in pencil) but there are so many options out there i really have no idea which to choose. Any suggestions? I don't want to spend to much (maybe up to $100).

Thanks everyone!

[Monocrom]

I have been recently wanting to get a nice Fountain Pen along with a matching Mechanical Pencil (i usually write in pencil) but there are so many options out there i really have no idea which to choose. Any suggestions? I don't want to spend to much (maybe up to $100).

Thanks everyone!

Without a doubt my smoothest fountain pen is a Cross Century II model. Mine has a medium nib, and the pen is gold-plated, but a chrome version should be within your budget. The pen also just plain looks good.

[Topsehttih]

For years I too wrote with a Cross Fountain Pen at work. This is when we sent messages by memo's, before email, anybody remember that. It seems once the computer age took over I was writing less and less and ended up just carying around a Fisher Bullet in my pocket.

Bill

[IcantC]

Wow I have a lot of old and some other fountain pens. I will go dig them up and post up pictures. I had over 20 -30 at one point :D.

[Monocrom]

Wow I have a lot of old and some other fountain pens. I will go dig them up and post up pictures. I had over 20 -30 at one point :D.

I wouldn't mind seeing some nice pics. :)

[IcantC]

Monocrom I will try and dig them up. I had some calligraphy fountain pens too and made some as well. Will try to dig them up and get some pictures up.

[wacbzz]

Here is one of the first fountain pens that I ever purchased...



Nothing quite like a Pelican FP.

[HoopleHead]

i use a white Lamy Safari thats really decent for the price.

[wacbzz]

Lamy makes some really decent and cheap(er) FP's that are excellent. The 2000 comes to mind.