Thread: Fountain pens- info needed

As some have said Pelikens are great pens if you can swing it the 800 is top box. If you are looking for a super value in a great pen check out Beckley. Vintage hands down a Parker 51 Aero.
Be warned FP have AD written all over them

I got myself a Waterman 'Carene' last year in a dark purple color.
Simplicity, style and writes good for me...

Originally Posted by CatMan

Those I bought on eBay. My most expensive one is made by Jim Mauldin, an American gentleman who turns wooden pens. He made one of Zebrawood (photo below) for me for $50. I'd never pay more than that for a fountain pen. But that's just me, I guess.

I went the custom turned route as well. Mine was a bit more pricey at around $85 but it's my favorite fountain pen ever. I also have a parker '75 silver plated that's worth aroun $180 but I prefer my wooden turned pen by FAR. It looks like this:



I bought it from Matthew Poeller. He's a member here but not active lately. (www.mpoeller.com) but he's not the only person turning fountain pens here I believe.

I'd say get one turned...it gives you that warm fuzzy feeling that holding something that was especially made for YOU gives. Plus it's not all that expensive and looks top notch.

+1 on the Pelikans. I'd also consider the Sailors and Pilots - Japanese nibs are very smooth and precise, but remember that nib width is usually one narrower than the western sizes.

If you have not seen them yet, FPN has very good detailed reviews of different pens. The Classifieds there, and on Pentrace, would be the equivalent of the B/S/T.

Most of the posts above have recommended modern pens, and nice ones, certainly. But I've read your posts and seen your preferences in razors, and I suspect you'd like a vintage pen. The Parker 51 is a classic and a performer, but many people new to fountain pens are a little disappointed by the 51 because it's SO reliable and easy to use, and because the nib is rigid, it's not that different a feel from a ballpoint. I'd suggest a 1940s Waterman or Eversharp. Many are inexpensive and have a wonderfully responsive nib. I think something else you'll like about older fountain pens is their filling systems--the gadget factor. Today, most pens are cartridge/converter pens, reliable but dull, with some middle and higher end pens being piston fillers, like the Pelikans several folks mentioned.

I'd suggest before buying you look at the discussion and sales boards at the two best fountain pen discussion sites: pentrace.com and fountainpennetwork.com. Look at the prices, condition, and what calls out to you, just as you do here at SRP.

And if you'd like a freebie starter pen, give me a PM, I've got a few "extras" lying about that might give you a feel for what it's all about.

best, Dan Carmell

Where could one find just a cheap fountain pen to try out. I have never used one and wondered it fountain pens are still in production and would you be able to find one at a walmart or office depot type store?

Office Depot/Staples should have a small selection of FP. I bought my first (and only) at Staples... Waterman phileas I think.

Originally Posted by Doc

Where could one find just a cheap fountain pen to try out. I have never used one and wondered it fountain pens are still in production and would you be able to find one at a walmart or office depot type store?

Another poster suggested the Waterman Phileas Fountain Pen. I can recommend this seller and have no affiliation with them.
http://www.pendemonium.com/pens_waterman.htm
Search the net and you may be able to find a better price. As others have mentioned, the Lamy Vista is another good value. There are so many good fountain pens available that it can be hard to decide. Another option (more expensive) is to buy one from someone like Richard Binder www.richardspens.com who tests each pen he sells before it ships.
Best Regards, Ken.

I've been using these since elementary school in the 50's. We learned with them. I use mine daily and go through rotations as with the Str8's and DE's.
Stay away from Mont Blanc- a lot of money and messy-
I echo the Namiki Vanishing point as a terrific starter pen- The company is now owned by Pilot.
My all time favorite for smooth writing is the Shaefer White Dot- classic styling and great 18K nib.
Currently I really like the Noodler's ink. great variety and good smooth nonfeathering product.
Many fine Chinese pens are available from Isellpens.com. This is a great company to use- good service. Prior posts here have recommended several brands to use. They also have knock-off Parker 51's that look pretty good.
Look at flea markets- I just picked up 4 Parker 51's in good working order for $3.00 apiece.
Have fun with this-
Headdoc

Aaahh Nibs, inks, pens, paper..... What a slope you are entering!!!!
To start and SEE if you like the idea and use of the FP...Get a Waterman Phileas ~ $15
Here's my everyday writer. Cross Townsend Green Tortoise ~ 1990


My everyday carry is the Namiki Vaishing Point Fine Nib ~ $85


Here's some of my vintage pens. I do like writing with these.


T