A Suggestion For The Unfortunate . . .

[onglide]

Yes, I am here to beat the proverbial dead horse, or rather unearth it from its tomb to continue beating it. But please persevere in your reading.

 

I live in a place where (to my knowledge) the romance attributed to the fountain pen aficionado remains elusive, meaning that any retailer specializing in such items cannot justify setting up shop. Therefore, I have no way of using tactile inspection methods to essentially "test drive" a pen. But I'd like one anyway.

 

See, I know what I like. But I cannot know if a particular pen will satisfy without the aforementioned road test, so here's a laundry list of particulars that may trigger a suggestion from those with experience: Wider pens seem to appeal to my aversion to hand fatigue, but finer nibs work best with my writing style. I enjoy a little bit of flex, but not so much as to make apparent my weird habit of oscillating pressure. Smooth ink flow, both laterally and vertically, is a must, alluding to the fact that I appreciate models known for overall awesomeness through daily abuse. Pens with a story (read: vintage) cater to my misguided love of romanticism, but I lust after modern variants as well. I am impartial to filling systems though I would prefer to avoid the feeling of somehow cheating the system with cartridges. Lastly, I like "conversation starters" . . . yeah, I'm that guy.

 

Now the rub because there is always a rub.

 

I am a pilot and that means that I am poor - believe it. By the charity of Ol' Saint Nick, a stately budget of around $100 will provide the means for club membership, albeit still outside the velvet ropes of the VIP. Given the myriad of online retailers, a simple internet search brings an ocean of variables into my living room/bedroom/kitchen and though there appear to be many oysters, I have no way of detecting the pearl within. Cute analogy, I know. So I reach out for guidance in the hopes that someone with similar tastes (and budget) may offer a purchasing opinion. I am cognizant of the personal investment attributed to purchasing writing instruments and asking for thoughts on the best pen in the history of ever, ever is not my intent. Just a scratchpad of ideas a picky novice can work with is my plea to you.

 

Many thanks and as this is my first post, hello!

[ink-syringe]

fitting some, but not all of your criteria (not a hint of flex, for example) is the Lamy 2k. Why a Lamy 2000?

 

It is a bit chubby & you can get a F nib no problem

Piston fill and holds a impressive amount of ink

Sturdy.

Not vintage, but a classic design virtually unchanged from 1966. So, conversations starter and cool factor included.

You can get one very close to your asking price.

[Bo Bo Olson]

Vintage

A medium small, standard length posting Pelikan 140 or a standard sized Geha 790 will give you semi-flex= springy ++ , great ride, a bit of flare with out having to do anything...not a "Flex" pen. Read my signature please.

Got 26 semi-flex and the next on the way.

 

If bought on non-buy now, in German ebay...Pelikan goes for €50 with luck, 70-90. Geha 790 (only) goes for €20 with luck, mostly 30-35.

Geha was the comp for Pelikan in the '50-60's.

Have six pre '72 Gehas, vs 6 Pelikans of the same era.

Geha is the way to go, cheaper and as good....your basic black and gold German pen. The 790/760 has the three cap rings.

The Geha school pen don't have a ring.They look similar, but are not.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm300/BoBoOlson/B6FmHUwBWkKGrHqEOKiMEyVVGG6IBMwIK6RCg_12-1.jpg

[Wolverine1]

How about looking for a Pen Club or a Pen Posse in your area? That is a good way to meet other pen enthusiasts, and see and try out a whole bunch of pens, inks, papers, etc. If you dont mind telling us, where are you located at? Maybe we can help you locate a Pen Club or a Pen Posse in you vicinity. Or find you one nearby to which you can travel to.

[Runnin_Ute]

Inspired by a vintage Esterbrook is the True Writer line of pens from Levenger (levenger.com). I have the Silver Anniversary which was created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the company. About 1/4" shorter than a TWSBI 580 and about the same girth. Weighs about 30 grams as it is built on a brass barrel, gun metal finish.

 

They also have several other models that are lighter and different colors and finishes.

 

This is my Silver Anniversary next to a Esterbrook J: http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/Fountain%20Pens/20130731_195706_zps2ef2fd4c.jpg

 

I wouldn't call the nib springy even, but mine is a real nice fine. The pen is a c/c filler (standard international) but within your price range. Vintage look with a modern twist.

[Brian K]

[pajaro]

Waterman Kultur.

Parker Frontier.

[kkshadow]

Depending on your definition of vintage, consider a NOS Sheaffer Imperial as seen at Peyton Street Pens. A bit wider than standard pens, the inlaid nibs are very smooth and reliable, cart or touchdown fillers and very handsome in my humble opinion.

 

Not affiliated, bla bla, just a fan.

[onglide]

How about looking for a Pen Club or a Pen Posse in your area? That is a good way to meet other pen enthusiasts, and see and try out a whole bunch of pens, inks, papers, etc. If you dont mind telling us, where are you located at? Maybe we can help you locate a Pen Club or a Pen Posse in you vicinity. Or find you one nearby to which you can travel to.

 

Truthfully, I was unaware that such posses existed - though the existence of a global forum should have been a good hint. If it helps, I am located in Anchorage, Alaska and the consideration is much appreciated.

[ac12]

A restored Esterbrook J in one of the several colors (red, blue, copper, or green), the black and grey would not be attention getting to be conversation starters. It is a lever operated sac pen. The nibs are easily unscrewed and replaced. You should be able to find a restored one for less than $50.

I suggest you get both an XtraFine and Fine nibs, to see which you prefer. At about $10 each, the nibs are cheap.

I have not tried the Esterbrook flex nib, but I understand they are not very flexible, and they are relatively expensive (about $50).

 

Another option is a restored Sheaffer Snorkel.

The snorkel filling mechanism is interesting in itself.

But you do not have the nib changing flexibility of the Esterbrook.

[Moshe ben David]

Depending on your definition of vintage, consider a NOS Sheaffer Imperial as seen at Peyton Street Pens. A bit wider than standard pens, the inlaid nibs are very smooth and reliable, cart or touchdown fillers and very handsome in my humble opinion.

 

Not affiliated, bla bla, just a fan.

 

+1. Both for Peyton Street Pens as well as the NOS Sheaffer. I in fact have one of this type which I bought from PSP. Nice heft as well as grip; smooth writer. Also, Teri gives outstanding customer service and her site typically shows an ever changing and tempting array of pens to consider at reasonable prices.

[Moshe ben David]

 

Truthfully, I was unaware that such posses existed - though the existence of a global forum should have been a good hint. If it helps, I am located in Anchorage, Alaska and the consideration is much appreciated.

 

Check out the "Clubs, Meetings and Events" forum section here at FPN.

[onglide]

Inspired by a vintage Esterbrook is the True Writer line of pens from Levenger (levenger.com). I have the Silver Anniversary which was created to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the company. About 1/4" shorter than a TWSBI 580 and about the same girth. Weighs about 30 grams as it is built on a brass barrel, gun metal finish.

 

They also have several other models that are lighter and different colors and finishes.

 

This is my Silver Anniversary next to a Esterbrook J: http://i1016.photobucket.com/albums/af283/Runnin_Ute/Fountain%20Pens/20130731_195706_zps2ef2fd4c.jpg

 

I wouldn't call the nib springy even, but mine is a real nice fine. The pen is a c/c filler (standard international) but within your price range. Vintage look with a modern twist.

 

Thank you for your input. You mentioned the TWSBI 580, a new name to me. After some research, this pen speaks loudly toward my idiosyncrasies and I am interested in your opinion should you have experience with it.

[onglide]

Waterman Kultur.

Parker Frontier.

 

I am intrigued by the Kultur and am somewhat excited about it. Thanks for taking the time to offer this pen as a consideration - it is on my list.

[onglide]

Vintage

A medium small, standard length posting Pelikan 140 or a standard sized Geha 790 will give you semi-flex= springy ++ , great ride, a bit of flare with out having to do anything...not a "Flex" pen. Read my signature please.

Got 26 semi-flex and the next on the way.

 

If bought on non-buy now, in German ebay...Pelikan goes for €50 with luck, 70-90. Geha 790 (only) goes for €20 with luck, mostly 30-35.

Geha was the comp for Pelikan in the '50-60's.

Have six pre '72 Gehas, vs 6 Pelikans of the same era.

Geha is the way to go, cheaper and as good....your basic black and gold German pen. The 790/760 has the three cap rings.

The Geha school pen don't have a ring.They look similar, but are not.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm300/BoBoOlson/B6FmHUwBWkKGrHqEOKiMEyVVGG6IBMwIK6RCg_12-1.jpg

 

The Geha provides the romance I am looking for and I appreciate you bringing the brand's existence to my attention. I put it on my list!

[onglide]

fitting some, but not all of your criteria (not a hint of flex, for example) is the Lamy 2k. Why a Lamy 2000?

 

It is a bit chubby & you can get a F nib no problem

Piston fill and holds a impressive amount of ink

Sturdy.

Not vintage, but a classic design virtually unchanged from 1966. So, conversations starter and cool factor included.

You can get one very close to your asking price.

 

The 2000 is definitely on my bucket list, but I have yet to find one adequately priced. That doesn't mean I won't stop trying, though! Thanks for the reply.

[PabloAU]

 

Thank you for your input. You mentioned the TWSBI 580, a new name to me. After some research, this pen speaks loudly toward my idiosyncrasies and I am interested in your opinion should you have experience with it.

 

The nib in my 580 is very rigid. If you're looking for spring of any kind you should look elsewhere. That said, it's a nice sized pen with good flow, and it holds a large supply of ink.

[ink-syringe]

I have the TWSBI 580 Diamond AL. I got the AL because it seemed like the aluminum section and band would make it more rugged. It seems solid so far indeed and is a good pen for the money. I get a lot of comments on it from student and so on since it is a demonstrator and you can see all the sexy ink sloshing around in the piston. I didn't get on with my first nib. Got that swapped out (it screws out easily) and now all systems are go. You'll see some folks had problems with earlier versions of this pen. I throw mine in my bag without a pen case and no issues. Easy to clean so mine has seen a lot of different inks and not a problem with any of them.

[onglide]

 

The nib in my 580 is very rigid. If you're looking for spring of any kind you should look elsewhere. That said, it's a nice sized pen with good flow, and it holds a large supply of ink.

 

I did notice that. My worry is that any additional pressure on the pen may scratch the paper and/or disrupt penmanship. Is this a legitimate concern for one with a heavy hand?

[onglide]

 

Thanks, Brian.