Thread: Fountain Pens

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

Very nice vid....
I use a different technique though. I might still film that.

Now, the "coup the Maitre"? You mean shaving against the grain under the nose? Sure I guess I could film that.

I think that's the one. I've seen illistrations and there is even a thread on it here somewhere. I think it was Xman that uses the technique. Much appreciated if you could...

Originally Posted by Sixgun

Man, you guys are dangerous! Now I'm thinking about a pen!

Would a FP be appropriate to "mark through" a carbonless quadruplicate form? Those are my workorders that I fill out on a daily basis, the original and 3 "copys".

Thanks,

Ray

The Rotring Core has one of the toughest nibs around, if you can find one. They're butt-ugly, but that's part of their charm.

Another good option is the steel nibs on pens like the Lamy Safari/Al-Star. I can attest to their hardiness - I actually stabbed myself with one by accident last year. Two seconds later, it was writing like new. I kid you not. the thing is indestructible and laughs in the face of carbonless forms!

James

Originally Posted by LX_Emergency

Now, the "coup the Maitre"? You mean shaving against the grain under the nose? Sure I guess I could film that.

The CdM is the downward stroke that starts out with the blade pressed up against the underside of the nose at nearly right angles to the upper lip. You swivel the blade as you sweep down, and finish with the blade at the normal 30 degree angle. It's actually not that tough, you just have to keep a light touch at the start.

I'm really starting to believe this forum is bad for my fiscal health. I just broke out my two old Sheaffers again (one plain-jane cartridge, one plunger? w 14k nib)...

I love fountain pens but don't generally write enough to keep them going. May be time to work on getting my wife hooked on fountain pens so I always have one available when I do want to use it To that end I bought a pack of the Pilot Varsity pens for her to experiment with.

Ant

Originally Posted by custommartini

Hey Alex,

Since you have a new camera, I was wondering if you could post a video of the coup de maitre. that woud be great (somehow I just can't picture it and would like to see it in action)

Done, check the shaving section

Also a fountain pen user - I have had the same Waterman that I bought myself on the day before I started my new job out from University, and I still have it to this day. (ok its only 12 years but it sounds WAY more impressive when you say it like that). I have lost or misplaced almost every possession of mine at some time or another - except that pen (touching wood, spitting over my shoulder etc etc etc).

You never let someone else use your fountain pen - it is a highly personal writing implement that adapts itself to you - and use the right ink. My pen started to fail a few years ago, until I took it into the shop. I had bought some other brand of ink for it, and they recommended I go back to waterman ink, and it started working again just fine.

I recommend it - there is nothing like sitting there in a meeting with everyone using chewed off bic's from the stationery cupboard, and you pull out your shiny (well not so shiny these days) FP, and start to take notes. You look the nuts.

Incidentally, I am a terrible writer and my writing is almost totally undecipherable to all but the trained eye - except with my pen. When even the pros can't decipher it.

Originally Posted by Sunsi

Incidentally, I am a terrible writer and my writing is almost totally undecipherable to all but the trained eye - except with my pen. When even the pros can't decipher it.

I have the same problem. I should have been a doctor...I have the handwriting down already . Only Santa can read my handwriting.

Does anyone make their own ink?

Originally Posted by DMS

My daughter graduates from college next month and I've been having trouble thinking of the right graduation gift for her. This thread inspired me to think that a nice FP, such as one of the Pelikan special editions, might be a good choice.

What do the rest of you think about that?

Don't do it.

I was just reading some stuff on FountainPenNetwork which prompted me to come over here for a poke around. I will not be a major contributor because I hate shaving !!! I am stuck with looking like a tramp most of the time - cannot grow a beard and cannot be bothered to shave

My daughter graduates from University in about 6 weeks and I though I would buy her a nice pen. About two months ago I bought her a Pelikan Piccadilly Circus fountain pen. It was well hidden away but I couldn't resist having a peek now and again.

Well I succumbed in the end and there's no way she is getting it now - it's all mine

Originally Posted by buzzard

I will not be a major contributor because I hate shaving !!! I am stuck with looking like a tramp most of the time - cannot grow a beard and cannot be bothered to shave

Shaving with a straight is all about YOU. Poke around the rest of these fora, and see what you find. Maybe you too will get hooked into this wonderful world where shaving isn't a chore, it's a hobby, something you can enjoy.