Any Fountain Pen Users?

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Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

There's a line, Ed... There's a line...

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Well that's why you use pocket protectors Carl! :)

I've been using fountain pens since I got my first one as a present in 1982. I still use that pen (a Sheaffer) when I give lectures and I'm happy to say there's a small but dedicated little group of math-geek graduates who now think the only way to do math is with a fountain pen :)

I picked up a Lamy a few years back and put an italic nib on it which makes it fun to use. A good every day pen.

I cannot remember all the different ones I have, but the ones I like using the most are the Sheaffer, the Lamy, and when I am in meetings with people who are impressed with ostentatious display, my Mont Blanc (I usually take that one along to meetings with Vice Chancellors etc.). As soon as certain people see that star in the cap they think I am rich and conservative, which puts me at the advantage straight away. :)

James.

Open your mind a little Carl. Very convenient they are. I thought like you at one time but once I tried them I was hooked. I actually defeat their purpose right away and cut the corners off the bottom to let water drain if I get sprayed.

If you don't like the idea of pocket protectors (I don't used them either) an alternative that I've found useful is a 2 pen leather case. I've been using the same one for 20 years. I just fill the pen I want, and a backup, put them in the case and put them in my pocket (usually trouser pocket). Never had an ink stain on my clothes yet though I cannot say the same for my fingers.

James.

I very much like my montegrappa deco, but the problem is that it's too fancy for the daily note taking stuff. I tried caran d'ache for a while but it's too skinny. So I usually pick one of the old and trusty parkers, typically 51, or a less flashy montegrappa like the parola.

Like Jimbo I also use an old leather case with a bit of a sentimental value.

I've never stained my clothes but, like Jimbo, my fingers generally ARE stained (green). I think a very very fine nib would be very nice for maths...

Yes, that's why I like the old Scheaffer or the italic nib Lamy when I do lectures - a finer nib.

When I can sit quietly and without rushing my handwriting can sometimes look rather nice (if I do say so myself). In a lecture where I have to stand up and write on the document camera, it's legible but... Here's an example of an undergrad stats lecture from a few years ago, where I scanned the notes I made. (don't worry about the content - it's been dumbed down a bit anyway to suit the ability of the class). It's legible, but that's about it. Students seem to cope with it though.

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James.

Finally got aqround to taking some pictures. This is my 1982 Parker 75. 14K broad gold nib with Barley Corn chrome plating.
The penmanship (not great I know) underneath it comes from this pen.
My dad bought it when I was only two years old. He carried it for a long time and gave it to me around age 17 or so. It's been with me to Danmark, Germany, America, France, Scotland, England, Czech Republic and probably a few other places. Although I love my custom turned pen. Nothing writes as nicely as this one. I'm thinking I might pass it along to my son when he's old enough. (He's 6 years old now)

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I just bought a new pen yesterday - a Visconti Van Gogh (Starry Night). Not massively expensive, but IMO beautiful. Writes very nicely, got the fine nib. Looks like this:

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The lid connects magnetically to the barrel and for a few extra bucks I had my initials added (again magnetically) to the tip of the lid. Overall a really nice pen I think. I'm looking forward to using it in lectures next week.

James.

Where did you get it from James?


Mick

I was actually thinking of getting a visconti pen myself - they look very 'italian'. Do you sip brunello in your lectures as well, Jimbi? I can't imagine using it during lecture, the fanciest one I've used there is dunhill sidecar but it's more streamlined and less flashy.

If I pick a viscoti I'll have to start writing you fortnightly love letters ;)