Thread: Fountain Pens?

Originally Posted by basil

which ink can I use that won't flow too wet. I do a lot of writing in moleskine notebooks and I don't want it to bleed through.

I'm no expert, but I'd say it is the pen and nib that control the flow of ink.
I've used Parker Quink in a variety of pens over nearly 50 yrs and it has always seemed that the pen itself governs ink flow.

Originally Posted by basil

Now my next question I which ink can I use that won't flow too wet. I do a lot of writing in moleskine notebooks and I don't want it to bleed through.

Check out some of the ink reviews on Fountain Pen Network. Discussing flow and bleed through of each ink is sort of SOP under their format and frequently there is a comparison using various types of paper. I will tell you that Moleskine notebooks are slightly out of favor because the paper tends to allow some feathering and bleed through. I have switched over to Quo Vadis Habana and Rhodia notebooks because they use a higher grade of paper than the Moleskines.

My favorite ink (right now) is Iroshizuku, but it is kind of a wet writing ink and may not be what you want. I think the new Pelikan Edelstein inks are a bit dryer writing, but I haven't had an opportunity to try them yet.

Originally Posted by welshwizard

I'm no expert, but I'd say it is the pen and nib that control the flow of ink.
I've used Parker Quink in a variety of pens over nearly 50 yrs and it has always seemed that the pen itself governs ink flow.

Quite right, although inks vary in their viscosity and drying time which can make one ink write "dryer" or "wetter" than another when used in the same pen.

The link between fountain pen users and straight edge users seems to be pretty strong in light of the overwhelming response I received on Fountain Pen Network to a query about traditional/straight edge shaving. As for recommendations -- looking on the for sale forum in FPN is a good bed for a quality used pen from a reputable seller. You will get more pen for your buck used than new...there are some excellent Aurora's and Bexleys that may be toward the upper end of your range. Lamy also makes a number of excellent "starter" fountain pens that will take a converter to allow you to use bottled ink.

Like I have found with straight razors, this "green" hobby can become very very addictive. I've been using fountain pens for nearly 25 years and it's impossible to stop at just one!

I use a fountain pen, I have recently found a Lamy Safari which I used at school and am delighted to see they are still made. I know its quite cheap but its still lovely to write with.

I also have the converter for it which enables me to fill it from an ink bottle.

I just picked up a Faber Castell Ambition medium nib in black about 2 weeks ago, along with a plunger converter and some Private Reserve Ink in Fast Dry American Blue (fast dry because I'm a lefty).

Really happy to spend <$85 for everything and have a pen that seems like it's built like a tank. We also have an excellent Pen/ink/stationary store here in Asheville.

They had some $4k pens that the owner let me test drive. Pretty sweet.

I bought a Pelikan M800 recently, in black with a fine nib, it's a stunning piece of kit. A bit above your price range but IMO it's just about perfect.

Hey Basil,

I use a Cross Century II in 10K yellow gold filled with Parker Quink. It uses a screw type plunger deal in the resevoir. It works well on cotton bond. No idea what it cost...bought it at a estate sale for a couple bucks. Handsome, simple, unpretentious, IMHO. Goes with the whole theme of refill rather than throwaway. Kinda like a Zippo?

Best, Jimbo

Since I bought my Lamy Studio I've been enjoying it quite a bit.

I've been writing in my moleskines with the pen and a Lamy ink and so far no bleed through or feathering so that's good.

The pen came with a medium nib but I bought a fine and extra fine nib with a bottle of Noodlers bulletproof black ink to try out.

I don't plan on buying anymore pens because I love the design and simplicity of the studio but you never know what may happen a few years from now.

Oh I forgot to mention. I signed up for fountainpennetwork

If anyone wants to find me on that my name is Basilios.