I am never disappointed when I grab a Pilot Varsity fountain pen to write. These inexpensive disposable pens have a smooth nib that seems to never skip. I use them in my workshop and they sometimes sit around unused for weeks but still write the first time. Although they are disposable (some people refill them anyway) they have a lot of ink and last a long time.

Pilot Varsity retails around $2.50 each. Here's someone on Ebay (who I have myself purchased from a few times) selling a batch even cheaper.

http://cgi.ebay.com/18-PILOT-VARSITY-DISPO...tem180054832506

They make a great give-away for someone who would like to try fountain pens, a child or even a stocking stuffer.

They are *great* writers! Why, oh, why did they not make a non-disposable version?

Oh, they are sold in other countries by the name Pilot V Pens (see photos here: http://hans.presto.tripod.com/cat012.html )

There are a couple of threads about the Varsity here on FPN: http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=16082
and
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...?showtopic=7263
(check out Old Griz's technique for refilling one from the barrel end on page 2 of this thread)

It still seems to me to be paradoxical to use the terms "fountain pen" and "disposable" in the same sentance. Yet I do agree that the Varsity is a useful and enjoyable pen. I have in fact given several to folks as stocking stuffers. Those folks, mostly kids, who liked the Varsity later got Pelikano Juniors.

I use Varsities i nmy workshop, too. I don't worry about getting a little sawdust on them.

I have a few lying around at home. My father loves using them - but not me

While I like the way it writes, I am adamant about fountain pens being easily refillable (I have tried filling Varsity's by force and ended up looking like E.T.)

i see them in staples.