Thread: Fountain pens- info needed

In a couple other forums I hang around at, the topic of fountain pens has popped up. I thought I saw something here at one time regarding pens.

I'm looking to get started with a nice fountain pen but don't know ANYTHING about them really. I've used the dime store cheapies and have become interested. So I'd love to hear from others that are into fountain pens

Not really 'into' them but I have a nice Waterman that I think looks good and writes well.

I really prefer dip pens for serious corospondance

I'll see if I can get a picture of my favorite pen and nibs.

I am addicted to using fountain pens, and have been ever since about the third grade. Others will differ (wrongly) but I feel that the best value in fountain pens are the Pelikan "M" series. If you have smaller hands the M 200 is a good place to start, and they go up in size and price with the numbers; M250 M400 M600, M800 and the largest M1000. For most people the M 400 is a good starting place in terms of all around value. Another thing is that Pelikans maintain a good resale value if you decide to move to another pen, or size. A good place to find a used pen is : http://www.pentrace.net/PenMarket.htm (No financial interest of any kind on my part, unless you count dropping lots of money there). Good luck on your excursion into fountain pens.
Best Regards, Ken.

I re-discovered my preference for fountain pens last year. I don't claim to really know much about them, but I always like to get a sufficient quality for the lowest possible price. Besides my Lamy Safari pens, which are in the $20-30 range, I'm very impressed by the quality of Chinese fountain pens. I own several by Duke, Baoer, and Jinhao. All of them between $8 and $22 (incl. shipping from China!). 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.






This forum
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/
is for fountain pens what SRP forum is for straight razors. Lots of information!

I just bought a fountain pen from Paradise Pen. The lady in the store guided me to a Retro 1951 brand. It has served me well thus far and for $30. I however have not ever written with anything higher quality than a Fisher space pen so what do I know. I do enjoy writing more now. I just wish I could get onto that whole spelling thing.

Don

I once had a Mont Blanc Diplomat w/ 18K nib. I sold it to a friend who died unexpectedly at age 38 before I received payment. I sincerely hope his widow was able to sell it for a good price.

Now I have only cheaper fountain pens. A Waterman Phileas, a Parker 21, and a Shaeffer No Nonsense that takes cartridges. Interestingly I like the Waterman better than I liked the much more expensive Mont Blanc. Someday I'd like a Pelikan 200 series.

I reckon it's a bit like razors - you need to try a few before you know what you like. I have settled on Japanese pens, they IMHO have the function of the German pens but with the flair of the Italians. I find Pelikans lovely pens - have had 200/800/400 and still have a 1000 - but they are like Mercedes cars to me, a tad boring. My favourite working pen is the Pilot/Namiki Vanishing Point or capless - just so easy to use - interchangeable nibs gives you flexibility in one pen. Getting a custom nib by Richard Binder can give you masses of writing scope. I also love Danitrio pens - the Densho is a lovely entry level to the world of eyedroppers and you can look at raw ebonite ones through to urushi lacquer and maki-e design. You also can't go far wrong with a Parker 51 - a real work horse that suits many people.
We could talk inks too - hundreds of them with different qualities, paper, nibs... Prepare to shell out some cash!!
My advice is to check out fountainpennetwork.com. It is a great community, very civilised like here and the Marketplace is the place to pick up some things to try out. I bought around 30 pens in the first few months and have gradually whittled back down to around 15 or so. Still adding and subtracting from time to time.
cheers
Stephen

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