I must admit that I was somewhat surprised that there would be a Forum for Fountain Pens and their users, but I guess in this very detailed world we live in, I should not be.

I'm a fifty-year-old married guy (married 30 years) who has raised two daughters and watched them marry and move out. My dad used to use a fountain pen for years, (I recall as a young boy) with, surprisingly enough, green ink.

I asked him recently why he chose "green ink" and he smiled and said it seemed "distinctive."

A number of years ago, perhaps 25, I had bought my own fountain pen; I don't happen to recall what model or any of the details, and I can't even say I know what happened to it. I must have lost it years ago, because I had long since lost track of it.

One of the things I do a lot of, is write poetry and short stories. Recently I decided to go back to writing a journal, something I had done a while ago, but had stopped.

It seemed appropriate, after coming home from my local Barnes & Noble with a leather bound Journal, (I liked the "Dances With Wolves" look to the journal itself), to seek out a fountain pen. I guess because I knew that the etching aspect of a fountain pen, would leave journal entries that would be more permanent, since the ink would be "etched" (if you will) into the fabric of the paper, (even the recycled stuff, which is NOT what the pages are in this new journal), and thereby make it more "permanent" and easy for my grandchildren to read someday (as if I had anything important to say, that is).

So I went to Staples, and found a Waterman Medium point (couldn't find green ink, although I'm sure it's out there, in honor of my dad), that I paid $40.00 for, and a box of refill cartridges. I didn't pay any attention to, nor do I know the model number of the pen.

In the Waterman box, there was an ink cartridge and another cartridge (clear plastic with an internal plunger) that I surmised was the type you could fill from an ink bottle, but having no experience with these "you fill em" types, and not knowing anyone who could explain how to use them, I contented myself with the easier method of slipping in a plastic pre-filled cartridge, and am a happy camper.

Using the fountain pen, I have found that I have experimented yet again, with my "cursive" writing, which I have not used except for signing my signature, for many years. I was surprised to see that I had forgotten how to do the most basic moves in cursive, like writing the letter "I" for example. (i.e.: I am having a wonderful time).

Every morning now, in the wee hours before the sun comes up, a couple of hours before I leave for work each day, I look forward to writing in my journal, not only because I enjoy making philosophical observations in the journal, but also because I so enjoy the use of the fountain pen itself. It is so unique in today's world, and so, well "distinctive."

-Soupy1957

Welcome. It looks like you have a Waterman Phileas which is a great, reliable pen. I have three of them. One of my favorite green inks is Private Reserve's Sherwood Green. It's a beautiful deep dark green. There are scores of other nice greens available. Pendemonium.com is one of many good places to check out for ink.

Welcome to FPN, there are some 7200 members in this forum with a record 1200 of them online together last Sunday afternoon. Believe it or not there are quite a number of us that love the feel of writing with a Fountain Pen! I agree with jbb you have a Waterman Phileas there, I have one the same color and like it very much. I use mostly bottled ink with the filler device you alluded to (converter). I collect pens and ink and have quite a variety with several nice greens. I too think that Private Reserve Sherwood Green is a nice color green. You won't find much but blue and black cartridges at Staples and such but many online stores have many colors of green cartridges. http://www.pendemonium.com has 4 greens in cartridges from Private Reserve including Sherwood green.

Hope you enjoy your fountain pen, journal and this network of FP users!

Jbb: Thanks for the help identifying the pen. I hope NOT to develop an obsession about these pens, (could get expensive), but I thoroughly enjoy writing with it.

Thanks for the website tip, too!!

-Soupy1957

pakmanpony: You and JBB both spoke of the Sherwood Green (I had, believe it or not, already found the website you both were speaking of, because I figured I'd have to order the green, online), ink and I'm wondering if the cartridge used for the "Sherwood Green" would fit in my "Waterman Phileas" as you both called it? Are most pre-filled cartridges interchangeable with most pens?

-Soupy1957

P.S.: Just what IS the "shelf life" of un-used, pre-filled ink cartridges, anyway?

-Soupy1957

Welcome to FPN, Soupy


According to what I've read online: indefinitely, if the cartridge's seal is intact (no pinhole leaks that admit air) and stored at room temperature (and out of direct sunlight, of course).

I've owned a couple of Waterman Phileas FPs, also. Lots of folks here have owned a Philieas at some point along their FP journeys. Not a bad pen at all for $35!

Barnes & Noble is a great source for journals, from my experience. Lots of attractive women hang out there, too.

Best Regards from Encinitas, CA!

-Clive

After being married for 30 years, I don't notice anymore, (well......) but if I was suddenly "single" I'd know I could find a "quality" gal in the bookstore, for sure!!

Back to my previous question if I may, about attempting to use a Sherwood pre-filled ink cartridge in my Waterman....can I?


-Soupy1957

Hi Soupy,
Wow, married so young and still with the same person 30 years later! That is an accomplishment! Lucky you to have been able to see your children married and still have enough strength to enjoy!
Welcome to the forum. Prepare to spend lots...it just sorta happens around here! I don't think there's any problem with the cartridge but if you have any doubts, buy some syringes in CVS and a bottle of ink (not in CVS) and fill the cartridges yourself.

You can email that question to Pendemonium.com if you don't get a definitive answer here.

Welcome to FPN from a peer. I am not sure about the Sherwood cartridges, but I am sure that someone here will have that answer.

Good day Soupy.

Glad you came across us and decided to post. Quite a varied group here - and interest in almost anything you could think of relating to pens, paper and inks. And quite a lot of other things to boot.

Regarding your specific question on interchangeability (unfortunately I don't kow the answer off-hand) but posing it in some of the other forums would bring it in front of many more readers. May I suggest Writing Instruments or Waterman or perhaps the Repair Forum?

Regarding ages - there are members ranging from 14 to their 80's. I think in Chatter there was a poll regarding the ages of posters some time ago...

I expect you'd like to browse the penmanship forums where you might find info and examples of penmanship and calligraphy, the writing forum where some threads on journalling are presented, and finally perhaps the ink forum where inks are discussed.

In answer to your question regarding the lifetime of ink in cartridges, I believe that the ink is indefinite - in that it doesn't spoil or mould in the cartridge, but there is migration of the water through the plastic with time, and after years, you will notice that the volume remaining is less and less. I have quite a few vintage, unopened cartridges that are empty, except for a little very concentrated dye in the bottom. These can be reconstituted with the addition of water though, and do work. They are kept as some can be quite hard to find after cartridge styles change...and can be refilled with a syringe or pipette.

Again, welcome to the Network. I hope that you enjoy posting, and I am looking forward to your posts.

Regards,

Gerry

"Thanks" to all who have taken the time to respond. Frankly, I was wondering how much activity level this topical forum would get, and I'm quite surprised at the activity level in here. Must have something to do with our common appreciation for communication through writing.

I would suppose the next question, somewhat off topic in some ways, and perhaps better posted in another forum topic catagory is, "how many of you still write long-hand letters and mail them through "snail-mail?" I have a feeling the response will be quite largely pro rather than con, in here.

-Soupy1957

Welcome to the board, Soupy. I'm also in Connecticut and like you, my first task of the day (after making a pot of coffee, of course) is to journal. It eases me into the day -- and my day just does not feel the same if I miss it. I am sometimes forgetful (then again, some things are meant to be forgotten), but it is in my journal that I remember (and remind myself) of the important things in life.

In answer to your question as to how many write long-handed letters and snail mail, I count myself among those who still do. I always have -- even before I began using fountain pens. Just last night, I stayed awake way past my bedtime to write several birthday cards, thank you notes, and letters to family, friends back home in CA and to my FPN pen pals. It was time well-spent.

Enjoy your time on FPN.

I snail mail with quite a few FPN and Pentrace (another pen board) members. It's one of my favorite aspects of this hobby. It's always a delightful treat to find REAL mail in your mailbox. I highly recommend it.

Of course you don't look, Soupy

I know exactly what you're talking about (i.e.,finding a quality girl in Barnes and Noble..... Believe me, upon many-an-occasion . . . the books have been a mere afterthought.

-Clive

Sorry to be so slow to welcome you to FPN. Welcome, friend! Journaling helped me through a very stressful period in my life and started me on this fountain pen thing big time.