Help Choosing A Blue/black Fp

[hbdk]

I am looking for a new FP in blue-black or a very deep blue.

 

My preferences:

 

Classic design - cigar shaped, original Duofold look-a-like or similar - but I am open to more "experimental" design

Medium sized to large - not oversized

Nib must be a nail, or max. with a little spring

Japanese medium/European fine

 

My normal limit is about £50/US$ 80 - but as this is going to be my journal pen, and probably the most used, I might be willing to double that.

 

When I say new, I mean new like in "fresh from the assembly line", not vintage.

 

Oh - and I hate hooded nibs

 

Any suggestions welcome

[Sandy1]

Hi,

 

Even though it is at the top end of your 'double that' cost constraint, kindly consider a Sailor 1911M.

 

I find the colour is quite striking, and a welcome respite from Black pens. The 1911M is of excellent build quality. The Sailor standard gold nibs are firm, yet have some character. Their steel nibs are very comfortable.

 

I did a quick check on eB@y, and much to my surprise, there is a new model from Sailor - the Promenade - in the colour I mentioned. See item 331410218839 (auction) and 131366567925 (buy it now) which should be 'close enough' to your cost constraint, but shipping & import fees do add-up.

 

We have the benefit of other Members' prior contributions about that pen in at least one Topic : https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/269646-difference-between-sailor-1911-standard-and-promenade/?p=3043039

 

The only other pens I have of a Dark Blue colour are not factory fresh.

 

I am interested to learn what other Members suggest.

 

Bye,

S1

 

__ Edit to add :

 

Being curious, I noticed that Pilot offers the Custom 74 in Dark Blue as well. The C74 is a 'full size' pen, and the ones I have are fitted with really good comfortable nibs. See eB@y Item 221617580637.

(Ah me, I really should not do more eB@y browsing.)

Edited December 9, 2014 by Sandy1

[usk15]

Something like that?

 

That is Parker Big Red ballpoint from the 70's with Cross Solo medium nib and section.

 

[hbdk]

Thanks for the input, will take a look at the suggestions.

 

@usk15: That is a very cool pen

[inotrym]

Lamy Studio?

[hbdk]

Lamy Studio - yes a nice work horse, not sure how I am gonna like the chrome section. Is there enough grip?

[inotrym]

It doesn't bother me at all. Then again, I'm not all that picky.

 

If you have the possibility, go and hold one at a store to make sure it suits you.

 

 

PS.

I remember reading about a guy who used sandpaper on the section to give it some texture and make it easier to grip.

Added bonus the cool brushed steel look.

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/224387-lamy-studio-review/?p=2387193

[j.a.j.]

Maybe Platinum #3776 Chartres Blue from eBay. Should be more naily than Custom 74.

 

I have micromeshed one section. Definetly would not use sandpaper.

[hbdk]

I like the sandpaper/micromesh idea - might be worth a try on a couple of my other pens

Edited December 9, 2014 by hbdk

[hbdk]

The 3776, I have one in black; the nib is rather firm in it self (the tines don't move much) the whole nib seems to be spring mounted - a weird feeling; not unpleasant, but it does not really suite my writing style.

[risingsun]

If you'd consider a step up in budget and an American-made pen, how about a Bexley Cities in the Batavia model? Getting scarce, though, so don't sleep on it too long (and it comes with a second section so it can be converted to a roller ball as well)... isellpens.com has them in stock. Nib is a JoWo.

 

http://cdn3.volusion.com/rvbga.avcnm/v/vspfiles/photos/BEX-6902-2.jpg?1371547712

 

http://www.richardspens.com/images/pens/bexley/zoomed/bexley_batavia.jpg

[sandy101]

The blue Italix Parson's Essential from Mr Pen in the UK.

 

Diplomat Balance (which comes in blue).

 

Tombow Object 101 - which is cheaper, and can come with a fine nib - not as nice as the Italix though.

[Water Ouzel]

Or perhaps a Platinum Balance (PGB-3000)? Just refilled my wife's blue F this evening, and was again struck by how well it writes. And it's about $50 shipped (from a US dealer here, assuming that you'd find it for about the same on the other side of the pond).

[j.a.j.]

#3776 is available both as springy soft nib (marked on the nib as SM, SF etc. if i remember correctly) and normal nib. Could it be that you have a soft nib?

[hbdk]

Lots of nice suggestions here. That Bexley sure is a looker, and the Balance is very classic (and at a good price ).

 

No, my 3776 just says M, 14K and 585 - I am probably just being a little picky

[NinthSphere]

Would you extend "new" to include a mashup of new body & converter with nos nib section?

 

http://www.peytonstreetpens.com/ranga-ebonite-4cs-sheaffer-inlaid-nibs-converter-cartridge.html

 

The smooth ripple blue green & black:

http://www.peytonstreet.com/pens/ranga/4cs_photos_2.jpg

 

The pink ripple to show the cap off

http://www.peytonstreet.com/pens/ranga/4cs_imp_pinkrip_1.jpg

 

I have one in the blue green & black & it's a great pen, clip aside. The clip is removeable, though.

[hbdk]

Never seen that one before - nice! The right colour does not seem to be available but I'll keep it in mind, as I am also looking for a brown pen.

[Kuhataparunks]

Pilot Prera (non-demonstrator model) offers two solid blue pens.

I've had the sky blue one, and it is a VERY rich color... Almost too vivid! It is a pen that will catch many eyes because the color is so bright that it almost glows.

Edited December 12, 2014 by Kuhataparunks

[hbdk]

Prera - nice pen but I have not been able to find other than the sky blue - nice, but a little to vivid for what I am looking for. If someone could point me to a darker version, that would be really nice.

 

The Italix Parson's - I have 2 (in black), both with really bad skipping problems; never had that kind of problem before except with my Waterman Hemisphere, so no, I don't think so. Pity really, it is such a beautiful pen...

[Kuhataparunks]

If you can go the stretch, the Custom Heritage 912 has a wonderful black finish.

There is also a Tsuki-yo version which is a soothing dark blue color. I actually want that pen, but it's at the bottom of my list since I already have a pen of that model, just different color .

But the black one has a very nice polished finish on it, I'd recommend it as well!