I received my first Sheaffer Snorkel today. I'm addicted to Parkers but I just had to try the Snorkel. I have owned Sheaffers in the past such as school pens and a couple of Targas. They were nothing special to me. The Snorkel is different. I love the design and the balance. I'm still not sure that I am filling it properly. Pushed the plunger in and screwed it tight until the snorkel retracted. It seems to be writing just fine. I'm very happy with this pen. It's not going to replace my Parker 51's or Duo Folds but I can see myself keeping it in my rotation. Ohhh, how do I clean this pen out when I'm ready to give it a rest?

I want to thank Steve (luckygrandson) for the great deal and super fast shipping.

Thanks,
Tony

I love my Snorkel and I am the biggest Duofold fan ever. I also love Charlotte N.C. as well. I could not believe how cool it was to write with it when I got it. What kind of Duiofolds do you have? I have always wanted a Big Red Duofold. Someday, someday, someday.

To flush, just fill and empty with water (pull the TD tube back up, then push down over the sink, repeat until nothing comes out, then fill again, etc).

You must leave the snorkel tube in the ink for at least 10 seconds for the thin-wall sac to completely expand, or you will suffer from low fill and short write-out.

For plain writing pleasure, I find I prefer Sheaffer nibs. Parkers can be very nice, but I like a super smooth, no drag nib, and most of my Sheaffers fit that description.

The best thing about a Snork is that it will get all but the tiniest bit of ink out of any bottle....

Peter

That's funny-- the two snorks I've got running currently are a bit draggy (PdAg points), while the smoothest pen I've got is a '39 Duofold. And by smooth, I mean getting on for too smooth to write well-- sort of like having shoes soled with ball bearings being a smooth way to cross a floor but not so hot for actually dancing.

I absolutely love my Snorkel, which I got from Alan Kaufman. The vintage Sheaffers I have are all outstanding writers and, so far at least, have been consistently better than my Parkers. In fact, if I had to limit myself to any one vintage pen (to use, that is), I'd probably go with Sheaffer. Luckily, I don't because I'd hate to part with the flex in my vintage Waterman nibs.

James

PS: Tony, you have two Vacs on their way to you right now!

Sheaffer & Waterman are my favorite brands for vintage pens!