Hi all,

Having used a Sheaffer FP (don't know the exct type) for the past 16 years I would like to upgrade. After a lot of reading on this forum (thanks for all the info present here) I am thinking of buying the Sailor 1911M (blue color). But before really ordering I have some questions.

First some background information:
I will be using the pen on a daily basis. I work as a software engineer and all my writing, note taking and drawing designs should be done with the new pen.

Now for the questions:
- will the sailor meet my needs?
- what would be the best nib size (the Shaeffer currently has a fine nib)
- does anyone know (most likely one of the other Dutch members) if there is a shop located in the eastern part of the Netherlands where I can try this pen
- Are there any other alternative pens that I should consider (max. price about 100 euro)?

Thanks,
Patrick

I'm finding the FM to be very fine, although the actual width of the nib is about .35 mm which puts it in a normal "fine" range. But the line that makes on paper is more like an XF.

It's by far my favorite pen. I have the demonstrator 1911M. The nib is wonderful. I have a M and it writes a fine line. I wouldn't suggest going less than M for daily use unless you want really thin lines. Pair it up with Pelikan Blue/Black...a great ink for this pen (in my opinion).




Paul

I love my Red Sailor 1911M. I have an EF nib, but I would suggest you try the M - you'll probably find it perfect for your daily requirements.

This chart shows a few side-by-side comparisons of nib sizes: http://www.nibs.com/Tipping%20Sizes%20page.htm Usually the Sailor runs a little smaller than you're used to, so go with a medium. The 1911 is by far my favorite pen.

Thanks for your thoughts, I think I will go for the Sailor then.

Today I was in a store to test some FP pens, unfortunately they did not have the Sailor. I tested the Pelikan M400, which is a very nice pen! It's a huge difference compared to my current steel-nib sheaffer. I found that for me the best nib size on the M400 was just between de F and the EF (I have a very small handwriting). Comparing the nib size between the Pelikans and the Sailors on www.nibs.com I think I should go for the F on the Sailor, or is the FM size also available for the 1911M?

@Paul: Thanks for the pointer to the Waterman Blue Black ink. I read the review from wim about this ink and think it could be a very good match for the Sailor.

Regards,
Patrick

Just as a last minute addition, my daughter LOVES my 1911M with the fine nib. We have battles over it, and she swears she is going to steal it.

As for me, I also like it a lot. It's about the perfect size, and the nib is remarkably smooth. You won't regret it.

Thanks MikeLip, my daughter turns 1 next month so the next couple of years my pen should be safe;-)

I was reading some more on this forum and I that (almost) everyone that owns a 1911M raves about it, whether it has a Fine, Medium or Broad nip. So I think I cannot go wrong with either one. Now let's find a good reliable online shop (still not found a store nearby, so am switching to online-shop now) that will ship to the Netherlands and has good prices.

Regards,
Patrick

I have the MF (or FM, if you prefer) nib on my 1911, and it is finer than a Pelikan fine (and I love it by the way) but if you want extra fine I'd go with a plain Sailor F.

Hello,

I see that you are from The Netherlands; this might be useful for your quest. Click on the "Dealers" tab & it will bring you to WW Sailor dealers...

http://www.sailorpen.co.uk/

Good luck & enjoy your new 1911!!

David

Just an additional fan of the Sailor 1911M. I love this pen.

I have the broad nib and it is more like a medium. Very smooth buttery nib.

I especially use my 1911M when I am traveling as it takes a cartridge and the Sailor cartridge ink is not bad.

If I get another one, though... Okay, WHEN I get another one... I will look for the slightly larger "full-size" 1911 rather than the 1911M and probably go for a medium nib.

I might think of trying a sailor next time I have the opportunity to do it.

NO STOP!
:doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh: :doh:

Patrick - wait! Chill. :bunny1:

I went made for "upgrades", spent loads of money, ended up unhappy ... long story.

IMO:
First, Patrick - why do you want to upgrade? Have you been happy with the Sheaffer all these years? Do you just want to try something new? Are you migrating away from BP use at work? I use the reviews and other forums here on FPN very extensively. But at the end of the day a FP is very personal; in terms of how it feels when you are writing, the line you need, colour, saturation and wetness.
If you have not used m/any other FP I would suggest getting two or three cheap FPs to start with so that you can compare how they are compared with your Sheaffer. It would not be untypical to spend spondoolies on an expensive pen to only end up preferring one's old bashed up pen that you'd been using all along!

There are plenty of good opens out there and plenty of disappointing ones (despite loud praises made by folk here).
And plenty of time to dip before plunging! (sorry about that - too tempting )

Any road - good luck, Patrick

and guys where are our manners?



Welcome to FPN!

Armchop

On the other hand, being adventurous and branching out is nice too. When I buy, I often go for something completely different than what I normally use. In fact, I started with cheap Parker Vectors, but dived straight into a Sailor as soon as I had the money, and I've obviously not been disappointed.

Ok, let me clarify some things.

I've been using FPs almost all my life. I started with a simple schoolpen (can't remember the brand) with which I learned writing. I'm still thankfull they used a FP for that. Next a couple of cheap FPs followed (mainly Parkers) Then when I moved to university I gave myself the Sheaffer as a present, so I would have no excuus for not taking proper notes ;-) Now this pen is starting to fail, it skips and sometimes stops writing completely. I've tried different cleaning actions (found some really usefull information here on FPN) but to no avail. So now it is time for a new pen. All my new pens were an upgrade, also in price :-(, compared to the one it replaced. I want a 'real' FP with gold nib this time. Reading this forum I came to the conclusion that the 1911M would match my requirements. It is the same size as my current Sheaffer. The barrel diameter is a little bit larger but I think that is an improvement.

Thanks for all the information and pointers to online sellers. The 1911M with Fine nib will hopefully be my next pen very soon.

Best regards,
Patrick

For what it's worth, I was able to demo a Sailor 1911 at a pen show last year. I like fine nibs, and I think it was the EF I tried. It was quite toothy, and the rep agreed, but they didn't have another to try. So I don't know how often that is a problem with those nibs.

John

Update...

I won an auction on e-bay for a new sailor 1911M in black with a fine nib. It was only $76.00 shipped, which is a good deal I think.

Now just sit and wait till it arrives. I'll let you know how it writes when it arrives. I might even write a review about it.

Best regards,
Patrick