Looking For My First Relatively Good Pen And Newbie Questions

[AFountain]

I've been eagerly reading all of the posts with people asking about what pen to buy for different price points with various features but haven't been able to narrow it down for my next purchase.

 

Since my second introduction to fountain pens I've gotten a number of cheaper pens (Lamy Joy, Nemosine Fission, Nemosine Singularity, Pilot Plumix) to figure out what I like and what works for me.

 

I want to spend about $100.00 - $150,00, have small hands and:

• Like a calligraphy/stub/italix nib (Is there a difference or are they different names for the same thing?)
• Prefer function over form - not interested in the bling factor of gold trim, etc
• Prefer a classic look, something like the Pilot Namiki Falcon (almost bought this but saw some negative reviews)
• Don't like vanishing points
• So far I've used converters because I do want to be able to use bottled inks and don't want to be limited to cartridges
• I like longer pens and want to avoid the mini or slim pens

In addition to recommendations, are there any that any of you experts feel that I should absolutely avoid?

 

Thank you in advance for your help and I look forward to your replies!

[shumanfu]

This is something I've been pondering...

http://www.gouletpens.com/Edison_Hudson_Emerald_Fountain_Pen_p/ed-hudson-emerald.htm

[guilhermejf]

I think the Pelikan M205 can be a good option. Maybe not readily available in italic or stub, but a BB nib for sure.

Edited February 16, 2014 by guilhermejf

[tomgartin]

I think you've just described an Edison pen. The Nouveau Premiere looks like a sufficiently long pen and is well regarded. You just missed out on a LE ebonite version, but it'll come around again I'm sure.

Best of luck as you sift through the replies below...

[RudyR]

If you liked the way the Plumix wrote, then you could buy a Pilot Prera and swap out the nib. Very easy to do. It posts and handles very much like my Pelikan 205. When capped it is small enough to fit any pocket or clutch. The cap post really well, very much like my Pelikan 205, which I also recommend.

 

These two pens are great travelers and fit my large hangs without any problems (when posted). Preras can be had for around 65 US Smackaroos and the Pelikan is gonna run you about 130+ US Bucks.

[Obyekt]

I've been eagerly reading all of the posts with people asking about what pen to buy for different price points with various features but haven't been able to narrow it down for my next purchase.

 

Since my second introduction to fountain pens I've gotten a number of cheaper pens (Lamy Joy, Nemosine Fission, Nemosine Singularity, Pilot Plumix) to figure out what I like and what works for me.

 

I want to spend about $100.00 - $150,00, have small hands and:

• Like a calligraphy/stub/italix nib (Is there a difference or are they different names for the same thing?)
• Prefer function over form - not interested in the bling factor of gold trim, etc
• Prefer a classic look, something like the Pilot Namiki Falcon (almost bought this but saw some negative reviews)
• Don't like vanishing points
• So far I've used converters because I do want to be able to use bottled inks and don't want to be limited to cartridges
• I like longer pens and want to avoid the mini or slim pens

In addition to recommendations, are there any that any of you experts feel that I should absolutely avoid?

 

Thank you in advance for your help and I look forward to your replies!

I like the falcon. It's a smooth writer. The flex isn't great. It can flex from EF to BB, but with more effort required than a real flex pen. It's more like springiness.

 

Have you considered a Vac 700? The ink capacity is really good.

[The Blue Knight]

How about a italix parson's essential fountain pen? They are highly regarded and about the only calligraphy pen I've heard of which has a big following.

[Joe in Seattle]

I've used the inexpensive Pelikan M205 and had plastic section parts break. I love my Edison, it seems durable as a WWII jeep. Make your nib choice and you're set!

[Blue_Moon]

How about a italix parson's essential fountain pen? They are highly regarded and about the only calligraphy pen I've heard of which has a big following.

 

I would whole heartedly agree with either the Parson's Essential or it's sister pen, the Churchman's Prescriptor. The reason I suggest the Churchman's Prescriptor is because it is longer than the Parson's Essential. Now, FYI, the PE is not a short pen; it's just that the CP is longer. I've got both the PE and the CP and they both write beautifully. You can't go wrong with either.

 

Churchman's Prescriptor (below)

 

http://www.mrpen.co.uk/contents/media/t_churchmans2.png

 

Parson's Essential (below) - It also comes in green and burgundy.

 

http://www.mrpen.co.uk/contents/media/t_trio%20parsons.png

 

Edited to add that the pictures come from the Mr. Pen website, which is the only seller of the pen. Mr. Ford, the owner, is in Great Britain, and many people in America purchase these. It takes about ten days or so to receive your purchase, or at least that's my experience. If you search FPN for Mr. Pen, you'll find comment after comment about the exemplary service that his customers receive. You won't get better service anywhere on the planet!

Edited February 16, 2014 by Blue_Moon

[MattD]

For just a bit over your budget at $163 ($97 body, $66 nib), you can get a Pelikan M200 with a custom nib from Richard Binder.

 

I have a Edison Nouveau Premeire with a fine point steel nib. It writes okay and is much (much!) prettier than my M200 (also fine/steel), but I'd choose the M200 for writing. Mine is just a stock one from Amazon, not tuned or anything, so it is apples to apples there. Of course, you can't buy a stock italic Pelikan, and an italic Edison might be wonderful with its stock nib.

 

But, then factor in the difference between a custom nib and a stock one, and I think waiting a little while to get the extra $14 over the Edison would be worth it, IF the size of the M200 suits you. Four lattes and you're there.

[FlyFast]

If you can't afford the customized Pelikans that were suggested already, a Stipula Vedo (piston version) with an italic nib might suit you. But if I were looking for the pen you described, I'd go for the Pilot Prera with the "new" CM nib. I have lots of pens but my daily writers are now the Preras.

[tedd]

I think for the styling and the size, a Pilot Custom 74 would work out well, as long as you get the solid color body and not the clear body. It comes in the standard sizes of XF, F, M, and B. A brand that I like is Monteverde, as it is not terribly expensive, but sports some good looking, well crafted acrylic pens in several one of a kind colors. You can get a Italic/ Stub nib which writes really well. I think Pelikan would make a good choice too if you look hard enough for the pen you want with the right nib.

[AFountain]

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions!

 

I loved the look of the Edison and the Italix and ended up ordering the Italix Captain's Commission w/ a broad italic nib. I can't wait to get it!

 

While trying to decide between the Edison and the Italix, I realized that of my cheaper pens, I like the feel of the Nemosine Fission best because of the weight so ended up ordering the Italix.

 

We're going to be traveling this week and I'll be able to visit my first pen store and I'm hoping that they have some of the others that were recommended so that I can try them out.

 

My next step will be to work on my handwriting with these beautiful pens - it's declined deplorably over the decades since I was in school.

[AFountain]

I'm reviving my own old thread to thank you all again for your help in choosing a pen.

 

I did get my Captain's Commission and love the pen. The nib I chose is a bit broad for me, so I'll look into another at some point, but the pen feels perfect in my hand and writes beautifully.

 

Since then, I got an Edison Nouveau Premier w/ a Richard Binder nib. It's my new favorite pen and I find myself writing just to watch how beautiful it makes even my cramped, uneven hand-writing look. I think I'm going to get an Edison Collier next.

 

My visit to the B&M store was fascinating and it was wonderful to see so may pens and get to try them before buying. I found a nice carbon fiber Scheaffer (name escapes me at the moment - it's on odd name for a pen) that also writes beautifully. Also couldn't help picking up another Pilot Metropolitan - small, cheap pen but I love the way that they write and the snap-off cap makes it perfect to jot a quick note.

 

You all are wonderful enablers and I have learned so much since beginning to read the posts on this forum.

[Sasha Royale]

A thoughtful, deliberate quest. I love it !

What do you like and dislike about the pens you currently have and use ?

There is little difference between a cartridge and a converter. Both can be filled with bottle ink.

A piston-filler (usually permanent to the pen) is like a large-capacity converter.

Cartridge/converter pens are easy to maintain.

 

Some of my good-writing pens, with classic looks, include

Parker 51

Pelikan M215

LAMY 2000

Waterman Hemisphere

Parker 45

Esterbrook J-series

 

Good hunting !

[OcalaFlGuy]

I found a nice carbon fiber Scheaffer (name escapes me at the moment - it's on odd name for a pen) that also writes beautifully.

 

<Perk!>

 

Say what?

 

If per chance you mean Sheaffer, then I'd REALLY like to see a pic or two of that pen. If you really meant Scheaffer, then I still like to see a pic or two.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

[casualmerlinconstant]

http://www.bestfountainpen.com/sheaffer-intensity.html

[AFountain]

 

<Perk!>

 

Say what?

 

If per chance you mean Sheaffer, then I'd REALLY like to see a pic or two of that pen. If you really meant Scheaffer, then I still like to see a pic or two.

 

Bruce in Ocala, Fl

 

Bruce, I do mean Sheaffer. I know that there's no "c" in the name but it sneaks in there on it's own Too many Schneiders, Schmidts, etc in my background.

 

I'll take a pic when I get to work - it's one that lives at my desk.

[abritdownunder]

My vote would be for the Pelikan M205, although a bit small for my hands, it posts well and writes like a dream. I'd also recommend an Edison pen, I've got a Collier, and it has a fantastic stub nib, very wet and think. You could also consider a TWSBI Classic or VAC, both are excellent pens.

[AFountain]

Yes! This is the Sheaffer -

 

http://www.bestfountainpen.com/sheaffer-intensity.html

 

 

 

 

Bruce, I do mean Sheaffer. I know that there's no "c" in the name but it sneaks in there on it's own Too many Schneiders, Schmidts, etc in my background.

 

I'll take a pic when I get to work - it's one that lives at my desk.

 

Although the pics in the link above are much better than mine, here are pics of the Sheaffer and the Edison. Both write well, but I'm just loving the Edison - thanks to those who recommended that brand.

 

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p58/redfountainpens/sheafferintensity_zpsb3f7a3b0.jpg

 

 

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p58/redfountainpens/edison_zps50c50e4d.jpg