While I love my "51"s and Sentinels

[HesNot]

I am, and remain, convinced that the "51" is the ultimate daily user. After having experimented a bit with some triumph nib Sentinel snorkels, I am also impressed by their writing and functionality.

 

But I have recently been finding myself having a serious yearning for some more colorful materials - and have been digging around trying to find an old burgundy challenger, carmine red striped balance, lapis/jade duofold, or vintage CS in one of the almost endless stream of beautiful materials they used. I wish I could find (and afford) a Stockholm, Berlin, Chicago or Madrid.

 

For a boring tax lawyer, I suppose I am feeling the need to break out of my comfort zone a bit!

 

That, or perhaps as I stare at 40, I'm feeling not quite ready to submit to a life of black, cordovan, stainless and gold... :bonk:

[RonB]

I agree! You need some old Balances or Parker Vacs for variety.

 

Ron

[RichardS]

I agree too. The 51 is a great pen, and probably the ultimate writing tool. But it is also a bit short on charm IMO, lacking any of the exuberance or style of celluloid pens. I sometimes think it's a pity that efficiency drove out individuality so completely. All those beautiful Vacs and Conway Stewarts sudenly on the scrapheap, and the way prepared for the coming of the dread cartridge converter.

 

Of course , all this is a collector's - rather than a daily user's - view