Thread: Any Fountain Pen Users?

Originally Posted by MickR

Where did you get it from James?


Mick

The Pen shoppe in the city Mick - it's off the Queen Street mall in one of those little side-arcades (Brisbane arcade? sorry, cannot remember the exact name). You probably know it anyway.

James.

Originally Posted by gugi

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

Yeah, I wish Gug! It would be awesome to be able to take a glass of red into a lecture, but I think OH&S would have something to say!

It is definitely the flashiest looking pen I have, and that includes the Mont Blanc. The Van Gogh range is inspired by the colours of his more famous paintings (hence e.g. mine being called the Starry Night model). They've also got a couple inspired by Salvador Dali - I almost bought the one with the melting clock on the clip, but it was more expensive, plus I prefer Van Gogh as an artist anyway.

James.

Very handsome looking pen. Thanks for sharing.

Hmm...

The bad news: I'm not too impressed with the flow on the Lamy. Even with the medium nib it seems to run a bit dry unless I use a load of pressure. Anyone else run into this problem? Will it loosen up?

The good news: I'm loving the noodler!

I don't have lamy, but I've messed with the nibs of cheap pens that didn't write well - after all we already have plenty of very suitable hones for the job. Definitely give it some time first and you may try a different ink at the beginning - in my experience parker's old ink (I think they called it quink) is very forgiving.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I almost bought the one with the melting clock on the clip, but it was more expensive, plus I prefer Van Gogh as an artist anyway.

Yeah, they have a whole series of popular painters, but from what I've seen the one you've got is the one I've been leaning towards. I've only seen a couple in a local store and the rest online, so I'd probably take live look at a bigger selection the next time I go to NYC for more than a day.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

The Pen shoppe in the city Mick - it's off the Queen Street mall in one of those little side-arcades (Brisbane arcade? sorry, cannot remember the exact name). You probably know it anyway.James.

Yep, I do know it. Thanks mate.


Mick

Originally Posted by gugi

I don't have lamy, but I've messed with the nibs of cheap pens that didn't write well - after all we already have plenty of very suitable hones for the job. Definitely give it some time first and you may try a different ink at the beginning - in my experience parker's old ink (I think they called it quink) is very forgiving.


Yeah, they have a whole series of popular painters, but from what I've seen the one you've got is the one I've been leaning towards. I've only seen a couple in a local store and the rest online, so I'd probably take live look at a bigger selection the next time I go to NYC for more than a day.

You made me look up nib grinding. I've got a cheap Chinese fountain pen coming that I might try and turn into an Italic nib. Found this article about it:

Ludwig Tan - Grinding your Own Nibs - Glenn's Pens

This is my latest purchase. A Pelican M800 with medium nib. Absolutely fantastic!

That does look very nice.

What would y'all suggest for a starter pen? One that'll perform well but not be too expensive starting out with? I'm not sure how often I'd use it but have always wanted to try one. I'd like to stay $20-30 or so total investment just to see if I like it and will use it. Suggestions?

Thanks guys!