Hi, I was directed here from the Zoss Pen Forum. Before my introduction, I just want to say thanks, both for finding this forum, and to the folks at Zoss. I didn't like getting the excessive emails that forum generates[COLOR=blue][COLOR=blue][COLOR=blue] (I don't know why or how this was inserted!!), so this meets my needs better. But they were EXTREMELY helpful.

I live in North Carolina. My pen odyssey began when I was given a Sensa pen as a gift last year. Then, last autumn, I was in Houston and happened upon a pen store where a colleague explained his interest in fountain pens. That store didn't seem to like us testing fountain pens, but I bought a Waterman Charleston ball point. However, I became intrigued by fountain pens, and purchased my first one by mail--Sensa Meridian. I loved it, but it was too fat, and the cap keeps falling off. I received a Namiki VP as a gift, but didn't really like the medium nib.

In April, I got to DC where I found Fahrneys. They let me test pens. Their price was high (list price) but I felt a little obligation to buy after spending so much time there. I bought an Aurora Ipsilon Deluxe. It leaked ink when I put a cartridge in, but they took it back, replaced the feed system, and it writes great. I was hoping I would like the Waterman Charleston, but it seemed too scratchy to me.

So that's my story. I haven't decided where I want to go from here. I like the Aurora, but I'm curious about how others write and am waiting to find myself at another store willing to let me test.

John

Well, welcome to the FPN John.

I'm sure you'll find a couple of favorite areas to hang out in, and a couple of people to hang out with...

Depending on how adventurous you are, you will probably find a fair amount of material, and advice on how to address that scratchy nib. Wim has written an article on nib smoothing, and a number of people here are familiar with the process, so there will likely not be any problem in getting all the help you could need in that department.

In your search for where to go, another question you'll have to address is whether you are interested in new pens, vintage pens, or a mix.

Lots of Pelican admirers here, some Estie fans, MB's ...well, the list just goes on, from expensive to frugal, old to new. Why Winedoc will sell you one in the thousands if your tastes (and budget go in that direction)

Re the VP - I believe that they exchange nibs for that pen at a reasonable price - should you want to try that (search for VP to find the relevant posts...)

Gerry

PS: I'll search up a few links for you a little later.

Hi John & welcome.

What don't you like about the VP M nib? If you'd like another width, just buy it, cause someday your taste may change and you might want that M again.

Meanwhile, Pam at Oscar Braun, Inc. sells new nib assemblies for $14.00, and that includes a converter hung on to it.

Enjoy the FPN rollercoaster.

John,

Here's the reference to the price of the VP nib...

VP Nib

The entire thread would be interesting to you I think...

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...indpost&p=31126

For nib smoothing (grinding / polishing...) try...

http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...indpost&p=28877

HTH

Gerry

John,

Welcome to FPN! Glad to have another NCer here. Where in NC are you? I'm located in Mount Olive - half way between Raleigh and Wilmington, just north of I-40.

Regarding your pens, I've got an Ipsilon Sunny Yellow (not the deluxe - this one has a plated steel nib) that I just modified using Gerry's advice and it is now a wonderfully flowing medium. Plenty of good advice around about the VP, and you've already been pointed at most of it. I have a new one myself - got it with the medium and fine nibs, which write like a fine and extra-fine.

Looking forward to seeing you around the boards!

Hi John:

Welcome to the FPN! It sounds like you are the crossroads of writing instruments and need some guidance to help get you going in the right direction. In all honesty, you have come to the right location!

My personal preference is for Pelikan when it comes to modern pens, followed by Aurora. However, there are many vintage fountain pens to choose from and right now I seem to be on a Sheaffer binge, going crazy over Snorkels and Touchdowns that were made in the 1950s. Moreover, many collectors will tell you that vintage fine writing instruments out perform the newer pens hands down. While I was skeptical at first, I am finding this to be very true in some cases. You can decide which direction you may want to go in when looking at new or used pens.

Regardless of what direction you may decide to go in, you can always find some sound advice here on the Fountain Pen Nuthouse!

John,

Welcome to FPN!

If you're looking for a way to try out some more fountain pens, might I suggest browsing the antique stores and flea markets for old ones? They're almost always integral fillers, and often the filling mechanism needs repair -- but even if you send antique store pens out for professional repair (bearing in mind that lever fillers, the most common fountain pens, can often be restored by anyone with confidence and steady hands, so many are potential DIY jobs if you want to save yet more money), you still get a lot of good deals. You can't generally test a vintage pen before buying, but if the price is good and the nib is in good shape, it's a good gamble -- to the extent that I'd rather go to a flea market in Vegas than a casino


Jeff

Wow, I didn't expect this flurry of responses. Thanks. I may want to explore the idea of changing the nib on my Namiki VP. If I were to get a new nib set, how hard is it to change? Is this something anyone with little mechanical ability can do, or does it need a "pen doctor?" I basically have two issues with my VP. First, it tends to need a jump start (water) to write if I let it go for more than a day, even using Namiki ink, converter or cartridge. I also found the medium nib too broad for general usage. I haven't yet decided if I like the feel of the pen in my hand, as the clip is a little bit annoying.

John

Hi John and welcome to FPN!

Wow, another North Carolina FPNer!
We have kathywc (Kathy), PenHero (Jim), kjervin (Kevin), southpaw (and probably some others I have missed---sorry in advance) and now you!

I have an Aurora Ipsilon and I really like using it. It lays down a nice line and I like the fact that Aurora make their own nibs. Like Mannenhitsu, I would say that Pelikans are my favourite modern pens so if you have a chance to try one out, please do! I love vintage Sheaffers, but it may be harder to find a pen shop that sells vintage pens in your area. The nibs on my old Sheaffer Touchdowns and Snorkels have held up very well so you'll probably luck out if you win one on Ebay that has been restored. Better yet, if you are going to buy a vintage pen, check out the FPN Marketplace or the Pentrace green board. The people there are way more pen-savvy than most Ebay sellers who are not fountain pen users.

PS. I have a Namiki VP too and the clip is a tad annoying...but I love the fact that the nib retracts.

I haven't taken my Namiki VP apart but there is a photo of the nib & convertor unit at top of this page on the Namiki official website here). I don't think you need to have any special expertise in putting in a new unit, but there was a little discussion about potential pitfalls in putting the pen back together here (link) that you may want to read before you do the switch....assuming you do get a new one.

Hi John and welcome to the Nuthouse.

If you're still unsure of where to go pen shopping-wise, perhaps you could check out some of the excellent reviews we have here, if you haven't done so already. And the best place for you to test lots of pens is to get yourself to one of the pen shows if you are able to. Plenty of vintages and modern stuff to "play" with there. Unfortunately for me, there're no pen shows nearby that doesn't involve at least a 12 hour flight somewhere, so if you do get yourself to one, please help me out and post your experiences here!

See you around the boards.

Anyone can change the nib/feed/cart or conv set, John. When you open it you'll see a keyway that requires that you put the set in with that nub in the keyway. Otherwise, it won't screw shut properly. You must have unscrewed the barrel to either ink the assembly or to take the conv. out and insert a cart, so you saw the keyway, right?

Hi John,

welcome to FPN ! Grab a chair and make yourslef comfortable. We are ready to help you multiply your pens !

Denis.