topic Re: Fountain Pen Question in Community Chat

Fountain Pen Question

faeriemoon — Mon, 18 May 2020 20:48:40 GMT

Any recommendations for a fountain pen ($50 range) for general use, i.e. not calligraphy. A specific brand would be helpful, and a nib recommendation would help too. I'm thinking fine or medium, but appreciate any thoughts on it.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

Dinaki — Mon, 18 May 2020 20:51:00 GMT

I would choose the beloved brand Waterman.

I do own a Waterman ball point pen in blue and I like it very much.

Actually, I did order me its refill as it went capout the old one.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

violann — Mon, 18 May 2020 20:54:19 GMT

You can get a very handsome Cross Fountain Pen for about that amount, and they're very nice pens.

If it's for yourself, try some nibs in the store.

If not, try to get a gift certificate for the nib so that the recipient can select for himself or herself.

Someone who would actually USE a Fountain pen might have very specific taste in nib size and style.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

violann — Mon, 18 May 2020 20:54:58 GMT

@Dinaki wrote:
I would choose the beloved brand Waterman.

I do own a Waterman ball point pen in blue and I like it very much.
Actually, I did order me its refill as it went capout the old one.

Excellent choice!

Re: Fountain Pen Question

EdithEllenLily — Mon, 18 May 2020 20:55:14 GMT

@faeriemoon I agree with @Dinaki ... Waterman is my favorite. For a lower price, Parker pens work nicely.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

Still Raining — Mon, 18 May 2020 21:02:16 GMT

What a lovely thing to get yourself. I have a very old one that I love. All I write anymore is shopping lists, but still.

I would caution that over years ink has been a little more scarce and I am having a problem having my sac replaced. There is one place way downtown, but off limits for now. Just a thought that more modern cartilages may be easier.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

insomniac2 — Mon, 18 May 2020 21:19:35 GMT

I've been using fountain pens for 60 years, I prefer the Sheaffer brand (they used to be readily available, and were priced at around $5). Unfortunately, they're very difficult to find (I have bought several on ebay, along with black cartridges).

Someone bought me a Waterman pen long ago, but it just felt too dry to me.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

DrakesMomma — Mon, 18 May 2020 21:30:46 GMT

I have and use fountain pens that date back to the 1940s. I love them! Check out Levenger dot com for pens and ink. I've been ordering from them for about 20 years without an issue.

I do prefer a medium nib but they do use more ink.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

candys mine — Mon, 18 May 2020 21:38:56 GMT

If you look there are catalogues from companies that offer all kinds of writing implements, levgers, journals , inks, briefcases en the like.

The one thing i remember from the olden days of signings is, if you want your pen back, Keep hold of the Cap.

Love the look and feel of fountain pen writing. Never got the hang of refilling the things.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

stevieb — Tue, 19 May 2020 02:06:03 GMT

@faeriemoon I'd suggest that any 'nicer' brand will probably satisfy, but I have to admit a preference for Parker. The choice of nib is such a matter of personal preference. I don't like too fine a line so lean toward a medium choice myself.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

stevieb — Mon, 18 May 2020 23:53:09 GMT

@insomniac2 wrote:
I've been using fountain pens for 60 years, I prefer the Sheaffer brand (they used to be readily available, and were priced at around $5). Unfortunately, they're very difficult to find (I have bought several on ebay, along with black cartridges).

Someone bought me a Waterman pen long ago, but it just felt too dry to me.

@insomniac2 @faeriemoon I remember the Sheaffer cartridge pens many of us had in school and the pretty ink colors. My favorites were the peacock blue and green ink cartridges... Sheaffer made good pens of all sorts and while I think the 'student' cartridge fountain pens might be a piece of history, though perhaps not, but they do still make cartridge fountain pens and cartridges are so much neater than bottles of ink... Their website is worth a look... I believe Waterman and possibly some other pen brands also offer fountain pens that refill with cartridges rather than bottles of ink...

Re: Fountain Pen Question

Sage04 — Mon, 18 May 2020 23:57:49 GMT

Are we talking about the old time Fountain Pens that had to be refilled with ink? I remember knocking it over a few times and spilling the ink. I was watching Leave it to Beaver last week and Wally had to refill his pen. It brought back memories.

I have to check one out.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

Sage04 — Tue, 19 May 2020 00:00:01 GMT

Wow!! I just checked Amazon and they have a few. Have to check the reviews because I will get one.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

ECBG — Tue, 19 May 2020 00:11:16 GMT

Oh my Gosh! When I was in grade school we used cartridge pens! I KNOW they aren't the same, but the memories of my second grade teacher (a beautiful nun in full robes,) used to pull up her robes and jump rope with us!!!

I went to a Catholic school, although, I was reared Lutheran for a long time.

OH!!!! I can't believe it! I remembered Schaffer cartridge pens!!!!

Mine was blue one year, green the next. The barrel was transparent.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

Sage04 — Tue, 19 May 2020 00:08:04 GMT

@insomniac2 I just say the Sheaffer Brand on Amazon. Don´t know if it´s exactly the type you had.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

ECBG — Tue, 19 May 2020 00:12:40 GMT

@Sage04 wrote:
@insomniac2 I just say the Sheaffer Brand on Amazon. Don´t know if it´s exactly the type you had.

@Sage04 Semi transparent barrel.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

sunshine45 — Tue, 19 May 2020 00:18:45 GMT

no specific recommendations on a particular pen, but my favorite pen website and other fine office items is LEVENGER.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

Sooner — Tue, 19 May 2020 01:21:11 GMT

@faeriemoon Goulet Pens has an excellent site and knowlegable staff who can help you. They have exactly the information you are looking for! They have suggestions for beginners, starter pens, intermediate and so forth, price ranges etc.

I highly recommen German and Japanese pens. They are by far the best brands. Lamy, Pelikan, Sailor, Platinum, and Pilot are excellent choices. You will get a far better product with these and some other brands.

I have been a pen collector since junior high school, and you'll be amazed at the choices, colors, inks, etc. It is so much fun. Goulet pens also has samples of writing from about every pen they sell.

Other retailer that are excellent include Pen Chalet, Fahrneys, Fountain Pen Hospital, and others. Happy shopping and have fun! But you do have a lot of excellent choices out there!

Re: Fountain Pen Question

Sage04 — Tue, 19 May 2020 01:43:10 GMT

@ECBG I have to try it but I would get one that´s disposable first. Should be fun.

Re: Fountain Pen Question

Sage04 — Tue, 19 May 2020 01:48:55 GMT

Is it possible to use different nibs in the same fountain pen?

Are they called fountain pens because you can refill them? Why?

This makes me feel like I´m in elementary school again.

Now I´m losing it. Middle School.