I have just spent my first workweek with a 51 that I bought from a member here, and I have to admit, all that has been said about this pen is true. Now, you have have to understand, I have never been drawn to them before. I have always like either pretty celluloid pens or black bauhaus types. Yet, after reading so much about these, I decided to take a chance when I saw one for a good price. My dark green aero filler wrote smoothly and reliably for the week, and the looks and style of it grew on me as time went by. I am also amazed at the amount of writing I have done and it is not empty yet. Hmm... maybe my affection for esties and vacs will be joined bry the newcomer. I see there are some others on the 'bay...

I want a Parker "51," too, but I'm waiting until Mr. Binder is ready to start selling them through his website. That way, I know I'm not just getting a "fine writing instrument;" I'm getting a damn fine writing instrument!

For plain workhorse daily writing use, it's very hard to beat a "51" or a Sheaffer Vac-fill. They are both very reliable, hold plenty of ink, and seemingly never wear out.

One of the things I like the most about them is that they are, well, inobtrusive. Almost unoticed, in fact.

Peter

I have to agree. I have a large vintage Parker Duofold in marble, but when I use it in meetings I notice people starting. I have taken to using my dove grey 51, and nobody pays attention. I am not the sort of person who likes to draw attention.

Says the guy whose avatar looks like it's about to jump out of the screen and go for my throat.

I'm with you. I bring conservative-looking pens to business meetings like my Pelikan m605 or a black Carbonesque VP. No one seems to notice them. I imagine that if there were a collector in the meeting, he or she would notice and give me a tip of their pen in acknowledgement.

I use a variety of pens at work. I bring out the duofold and P51s regularly. But come to think of it, my coworkers already think I'm a bit off. So I guess they're just used to me by now.

hmm.. I guess bringing in lasers, vintage radios, ham radios and random other odd electronics has its advantages. Some day I will take a picture of my desk and post it.