Jump to content

About To Buy My First Pen...


mtbradley

Recommended Posts

Hi all!

 

I'm new to fountain pens and after some reading and research, I think I'm ready to buy my first. But I thought I'd run it past you all and get a final "gut check".

 

First, I'm a leftie, overwriter, that usually holds the paper at 0 degrees and has a tendency to push (the latter I know from having borrowed a friend's pen once).

 

Next, the pen:

http://www.nibs.com/sailor-sapporo-black-rhodium-trim-fountain-pens.htm

 

Edit to add: I'm planning on getting the med/fine nib.

 

I wrestled a long time over this or a Parker International Duofold (used in Mint condition for $250), but am 51% settled on the Sailor.

 

Finally, the retailer: nibs.com (thought the Parker was found on fivestarpens.com).

 

So does anyone out there know of anything I'm overlooking? Is this a bad idea? I'm happy to take replies via PM if you have a warning to issue that isn't suited to public consumption.

 

Thanks!

 

Matt

Edited by mtbradley

Currently: Sailor Pro Gear Black/Rhodium M/F with Sailor Jentle Black; Sailor Pro Gear Yellow/Rhodium M/F with Diamine Sargasso Sea; Sailor Pro Gear Slim Sky Demonstrator/Rhodium M with Sailor Jentle Blue; Sailor Pro Gear Apres Ski M with Robert Oster Grey Seas; Sheaffer Touchdown Imperial VIII M with Diamine Asa Blue; Lamy AL-star Ocean Blue M with Private Reserve DC Supershow Blue; Lamy Safari Red F with Sheaffer Skrip Red for grading papers; Lamy Safari Neon Yellow F with Diamine Kelly Green; Esterbrook J Blue 9668 with Noodlers Ottoman Azure; Esterbrook J Red 9668 with Diamine Red Dragon; Esterbrook J Copper 2668 with Diamine Ancient Copper; Esterbrook J Gray 9668 with Robert Oster Stormy Seas; TWSBI Vac700R M with Robert Oster Grey Seas; Noodler's Ahab Clear Demonstrator M with Diamine Midnight; Kaweco Skyline Sport M with Diamine Grey; Faber-Castell Goldfaber 1221 HB and Tombow Mono HB

 

"Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man." Francis Bacon, Of Studies

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 49
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • mtbradley

    10

  • Sailor Kenshin

    4

  • prf5

    3

  • LamyOne

    3

This guy has made a video about choosing a first fountain pen. Here:

 

While I don't agree with him in all points, I think you shouldn't go for an expensive pen as a first try. Just choose something inexpensive that works fine for others too and if you decide to like the feeling of writing with a fountain pen, feel free to dive deeper! :)

Edited by Venemo
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello Matt,

 

I'll chime in and recommend a Lamy Al-Star, (or Safari if you want to go real basic). Whatever you choose, I hope you pick a winner. :)

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

- He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me; and I in him. (JN 6:57)

- "A woman clothed in the sun," (REV 12.1); The Sun Danced at Fatima, Portugal; October 13, 1917.

- Thank you Blessed Mother and St. Jude for Graces and Blessings obtained from Our Lord.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The sapporo is a beautiful pen and if that's the one you want, I say go for it.

 

If you are going for something less, something cheaper, it might detract from your experience. And as long as it is not something that will break your bank, I think it is a good idea to go for a sailor. I have only one sailor, but it is a great pen, and they have a reputation of really good pens.

Instagram: @fountainpensnorway

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a Sailor with an M/F nib: wonderful smooth writer, reliable a pleasure to write with. With the converter you can use any ink you want, but it writes awesomely with sailor cartridges as well. I particularly like blue-black.

"how do I know what I think until I write it down?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I`ve actually bought a Sailor Sapporo once from the same retailer - it was my third FP.

Mine has a Zoom nib (Broad, when held normally -Fine, when you write on the reverse side - Medium, when hold at a right angle)

 

It is a nice pen & if I were in your situation & gung ho about either the Sailor or the Parker, I`d choose the Sailor (because it`s objectively less expensive & subjectively I like the Sailor a bit better)

 

You might consider the following:

 

_The Sailor is at approx. 12,4 cm not a big pen (which is not in itself a problem)

_Because it`s Japanese, the nibs are finer then western nibs, means, a Japanese M is more like a Western F nib (& so forth)

_There are many (actually too many) other interesting pens in the price range 150 - 250 $

(just because I like them a lot & just one of many examples look up "Franklin-Christoph")

_You might also consider getting a really cheap fountain pen first (like a Lamy Safari) + 3 or 4 additional nibs to try out, so that when you spent more $`s on a high quality pen, you`ll know better, which nib size you prefer

_By all means, watch the vid

 

Greetings

Edited by Polanova
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think a Sailor Sapporo would be an awesome first pen but one thing that comes to my mind is the size of the pen. It's a mid-size pen and for me, it's a little bit small. Everyone is different but I have small hands and find full size to oversize pens work best for me. Have you considered slightly larger full sized pens like the Platinum 3776 and the Pilot Custom 74?

 

Also when placing the order through nibs.com I suggest giving them a good understanding (the more information the better) of the way you write so that they can properly set up the nib.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all the advice so far! The video was certainly helpful. I've considered a cheaper first pen, and may go that way yet. But I also want a great experience. And the price range for the pen I linked to above is in the medium range for me.

 

The comments that have given me the most pause are about size. I'm going to keep looking and thinking through this. Thanks again and by all means continue to comment if there is anything else I need to consider. Thanks!

 

Matt

Currently: Sailor Pro Gear Black/Rhodium M/F with Sailor Jentle Black; Sailor Pro Gear Yellow/Rhodium M/F with Diamine Sargasso Sea; Sailor Pro Gear Slim Sky Demonstrator/Rhodium M with Sailor Jentle Blue; Sailor Pro Gear Apres Ski M with Robert Oster Grey Seas; Sheaffer Touchdown Imperial VIII M with Diamine Asa Blue; Lamy AL-star Ocean Blue M with Private Reserve DC Supershow Blue; Lamy Safari Red F with Sheaffer Skrip Red for grading papers; Lamy Safari Neon Yellow F with Diamine Kelly Green; Esterbrook J Blue 9668 with Noodlers Ottoman Azure; Esterbrook J Red 9668 with Diamine Red Dragon; Esterbrook J Copper 2668 with Diamine Ancient Copper; Esterbrook J Gray 9668 with Robert Oster Stormy Seas; TWSBI Vac700R M with Robert Oster Grey Seas; Noodler's Ahab Clear Demonstrator M with Diamine Midnight; Kaweco Skyline Sport M with Diamine Grey; Faber-Castell Goldfaber 1221 HB and Tombow Mono HB

 

"Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man." Francis Bacon, Of Studies

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Matt - you have an excellent choice in the Sailor Sapporo - I have one coming in the mail. Contrary to popular opinion - don't buy a cheap pen as your first - I have learnt to live with the Lamy's quirks but if it was my first pen I may not have been so eager about pens. Get something that makes you happy - that looks beautiful...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Think about the pens that you use right now.

How does the diameter of the pens feel to you? That is a good reference point to work from.

Example, the often recommended Lamy 2000 is too FAT for my small hand. I had one and tried to use it for a month before I gave up. My hand feels more comfortable with smaller diameter pens like the slimlines.

San Francisco Pen Show - August 28-30, 2020 - Redwood City, California

www.SFPenShow.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello Matt,

 

Let's all catch our breath and take this venture one step at a time. Let me ask you this: Aside from your friend's pen, (which you used once - and I am making the assumption that it was a fountain pen), have you ever written with a fountain pen before or since?

 

If the answer is no; I again would caution you against spending $150+ on a new pen - especially since you're a Leftie. There are some really good, reliable fountain pens out there that cost a lot less and will give you the same writing experience, (the only difference would be if you were using a solid gold nib), and even then, you can still learn the fundamental quirks and joys of using a fountain pen with a good quality steel nib. The gold nibs are a softer metal and have SLIGHTLY more flex to them. (I used to have a Sheaffer Balance with a solid gold Feathertouch nib), they're nice, but they are not the be all and end all of writing with a fountain pen.

 

I do not want to start a brand war here, but there are a NUMBER of pens in the $50 bracket that will tell you ALMOST everything you need to know about writing with a fountain pen - and whether or not you'll want to pursue it further - that is when you start looking at the $150 and up pens, (unless your name is Rockefeller or Gates). ;)

 

Just my 2 cents. It's your money and you can do what you like with it. :)

 

Best regards,

 

Chris

- He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me; and I in him. (JN 6:57)

- "A woman clothed in the sun," (REV 12.1); The Sun Danced at Fatima, Portugal; October 13, 1917.

- Thank you Blessed Mother and St. Jude for Graces and Blessings obtained from Our Lord.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Or you could try a Pilot Metropolitan for about $15. People seem to like it. I have one....also a Sailor Sapporo set up for the way I write (which is pretty much like the OP's).

 

Both are small pens but I have small hands, and neither one is too narrow for me (pet peeve).

 

Love my Sailors, but I'd say try the Met first.

My latest ebook.   And not just for Halloween!
 

My other pen is a Montblanc.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Matt,

I'd strongly recommend that you start off with a less expensive pen. I'd recommend a Pilot Metropolitan (cheapest of my recommendations, but a great pen), Sheaffer Prelude, or any Faber Castell (the lower end) to start, and write with it for a few weeks to see how you like a fountain pen.

 

This is my experience: I started off buying many inexpensive pens. Then, I moved up into the $50.00 - 100.00 range. Then I moved up into the $100.00 - 250.00 range. During this process, I learned what I liked about fountain pens and what I didn't like. I was in for a surprise. For example, I thought I liked heavy pens, until I got a few that were too heavy. Then I learned that I liked mid-weighted to light weighted pens. There were other surprises too. As my collection matured a bit, I began selling off pens that I realized that I didn't care for that much, and put the money toward pens that I really liked. Now, I primarily focus on three brands. Although, I may buy another brand occasionally, I generally buy one of the three brands.

 

Currently, you're in an all-or-nothing situation plus, from your description, you haven't written with an FP long enough to know if you really like them. If you buy the Sailor, you're paying a pretty penny (at least for me) for a pen that you may love, you may hate, or you may think it's just so-so. That's true for all FP lovers to some extent, who buy on the internet without actually holding it and writing with it first. However, someone who is experienced with FPs, knows what they like, what they don't like, and what they can live with, so they're making an educated purchase. In addition, being a leftie is another slant on the situation - another reason why I'd try a less expensive one first.

 

I wish you the best, and Welcome to FPN! :W2FPN:

Edited by Blue_Moon

Franklin-Christoph, Italix, and Pilot pens are the best!
Iroshizuku, Diamine, and Waterman inks are my favorites!

Apica, Rhodia, and Clairefontaine make great paper!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here are a few thoughts:

 

- if you push a lot, then a "cheap" pen that is about the same size as the Sapporo and would work is the Pilot Prera with M nib. e-bay has it for some $35. The F nib will catch/dislodge paper fiber. In M nib it glides extremely well.

 

- Another pen the size of the Sapporo is the Stella 90s from Pilot ($90 from e-bay). It is a beautiful pen with 14k gold nib and all the bling, however the nib is a little bit springy; I have an F and I can "push" on good paper without ill effects, however the feeling is not that great; an M might be better; or the Sapporo if the nib is more rigid (i don't know if it is, but someone else might chime in)

 

- I think that for your style a Japanese FM or M would be better suited than an F (the larger the nib the better the glide)

 

- I'd buy a nice pen

Link to comment
Share on other sites

while many suggest to go for an inexpensive pen for your first pen, id like to be that black sheep and tell you to go for the Sapporo if you like it, an expensive pen, that is, especially from either john mottishaw or richard binder

 

that might have something to do with my own pen buying experience; i bought cheap pens that didn't write properly or just wrote 'ok' and decided to abandon using them until i bought a m200 that writes great

 

in my book, your first fountain pen should not be a headache and have to tweak it if it fails somehow, it must be a personlized, ready to write pen, you can buy cheaper pens later to get more familiar with nibs and such but definitely not as a first pen

 

GO FOR THE SAPPORO!!! :D

Careful when buying a bird.. you'll end up with a flock before you know it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

while many suggest to go for an inexpensive pen for your first pen, id like to be that black sheep and tell you to go for the Sapporo if you like it...in my book, your first fountain pen should not be a headache and have to tweak it if it fails somehow....you can buy cheaper pens later to get more familiar with nibs and such but definitely not as a first pen.

 

 

I agree and would add that the best way to ensure a good first purchase is to buy in-person from a retailer. You will pay more up front, but what you get (for instance, to hold some pens and try them out) and what you learn (for instance, about nib specs and ink choices) will make the premium worthwhile. By the way, you don't have to choose between cheaper and more costly pens. If you are willing to pay in the $150-200 range, you can surely spring for an extra $15 and get both.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You've done your research, and you feel very comfortable with your pen. Follow your instincts.

 

As far as a recommendation, you'll enjoy Sailor. The Japanese exhibit great craftsmanship, and this is very true in their pens. Don't forget to consider into your budget the ink you would like to use and the paper that will make your writing experience everything you want it to be. Rhodia, Clairefountaine, Apica, Black N Red, and other good brands are essential to enjoying your pen.

 

Buzz

Link to comment
Share on other sites

if you dont like the tripod grip that everyone has a love hate relationship with the Safari line and you want a Lamy to start I would say CP1 (it helps that the makrolon version is available in the US but not else where which is cheaper than the palladium finish with a gold nib) or the Logo will be your best start for them, if you like a more tone down look you can take a peak at china pens Hero, Jinhao, Wingsung it also helps they are cheaper but with that cheap feel, next a bit of mid range here but people would probably suggest you Pilot Metropolitan/Cocoon/MR depending where your coming from as a starter pen, or if you want a more childish look the Pilot Kokuno... or the Sailor My first pen else I would immediately say start with the young profit series if sailor is in your sights, then there's the sheaffer 100, Parker Vector, Cross starts at a bit mid range but if you want a good decent Piston filler you can start with TWSBI

 

AHAH a bit of an oversight I see your a lefty and over writer too what ever works will be up to you but I am a lefty as well so I at least I have a good paper even if it kills the shading of the ink but it works for me but from experience I start to refrain from MB inks as they are a bit on the slow side of drying, J. Herbin is actually good for starter inks for lefties of course I won't force Iroshizuku on you which is actually more expensive but phenomenal drying time for lefties. Do you think you really need a lefty nib mm I would say no but if your really starting out why not since I have used at least 1 fountain pen in my elementary years and that was like a broken down Cross Century V1 with a half nib F which worked with me until 6 months when the tipping finally broke of, it worked for me no problems though I did use ink jet inks on that one whether it was safe or not I had no ideas of course this is coming from a country where FPs are considered luxury goods NO MATTER THE PRICE so even getting a cartridge is a bit of a hassle anyway.

 

Lamy inks sure they are fine good for starters anyway for me at least I haven't tried but parker quink is also a good start probably cheaper.

 

but if you ever find yourself in need of a lefty nib especially since your an overwriter like me Lamy will be your start also look for a B&M store that can actually help you get your lefty nib replaced from the factory F or M nibs which I think goulet pens no longer does nor do I think they actually have lefty nibs in stock or selling them. like Stephen Brown said you may have to work with your pen just to get the feel so this might be a good start but if you ever do choose lamy as your first brand I suggest you have to feel the pen or at least get to touch the pen IF IT IS for you especially the safari line with the tripod like section

Edited by Algester
Link to comment
Share on other sites

IF you don't mind starting with a cheaper pen that performs very well:

As a first [cheap] fountain pen I would strongly recommend a Pilot 78G or Metropolitan.

More specifically a 78G. You can get one WITH a 6-pack of pilot black cartridges for less than $15, with shipping(US) on eBay.

The metropolitan is also a very "robust" (as Dr. Brown described it) pen for its price range that uses the same nib.

The 78G is a very light resin, whereas the Metro is made of metal.

 

But it's totally understandable if you want to go straight into the higher-end, luxury writing by spending more on a pen.

It's actually more wise to do that so money isn't wasted in the cheaper ones that will only be used a few times then be forgotten.

 

But my honest opinion, I'm getting into the higher-end pens, and I find it was a little bit if a waste to have gotten so many cheap pens because I'll probably not use them again now that I have much better pens— there's a notable difference between the cheaper and more expensive pens. It's likely just a placebo effect though, it cost more, so it MUST be better! Best of luck, enjoy that sailor pen!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had a Sapporo and as a woman which average sized hands I found it too small for my liking. I'm all for buying into a nice experience but the Sapporo is small sized pen.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Most Contributions

    1. amberleadavis
      amberleadavis
      43844
    2. PAKMAN
      PAKMAN
      33501
    3. Ghost Plane
      Ghost Plane
      28220
    4. inkstainedruth
      inkstainedruth
      26627
    5. jar
      jar
      26101
  • Upcoming Events

  • Blog Comments

    • Shanghai Knife Dude
      I have the Sailor Naginata and some fancy blade nibs coming after 2022 by a number of new workshop from China.  With all my respect, IMHO, they are all (bleep) in doing chinese characters.  Go use a bush, or at least a bush pen. 
    • A Smug Dill
      It is the reason why I'm so keen on the idea of a personal library — of pens, nibs, inks, paper products, etc. — and spent so much money, as well as time and effort, to “build” it for myself (because I can't simply remember everything, especially as I'm getting older fast) and my wife, so that we can “know”; and, instead of just disposing of what displeased us, or even just not good enough to be “given the time of day” against competition from >500 other pens and >500 other inks for our at
    • adamselene
      Agreed.  And I think it’s good to be aware of this early on and think about at the point of buying rather than rationalizing a purchase..
    • A Smug Dill
      Alas, one cannot know “good” without some idea of “bad” against which to contrast; and, as one of my former bosses (back when I was in my twenties) used to say, “on the scale of good to bad…”, it's a spectrum, not a dichotomy. Whereas subjectively acceptable (or tolerable) and unacceptable may well be a dichotomy to someone, and finding whether the threshold or cusp between them lies takes experiencing many degrees of less-than-ideal, especially if the decision is somehow influenced by factors o
    • adamselene
      I got my first real fountain pen on my 60th birthday and many hundreds of pens later I’ve often thought of what I should’ve known in the beginning. I have many pens, the majority of which have some objectionable feature. If they are too delicate, or can’t be posted, or they are too precious to face losing , still they are users, but only in very limited environments..  I have a big disliking for pens that have the cap jump into the air and fly off. I object to Pens that dry out, or leave blobs o
  • Chatbox

    You don't have permission to chat.
    Load More
  • Files






×
×
  • Create New...