This will be my first good fountain pen. The only fountain pen I have is a Hero 800, given to me by my grandfather 9 years ago. I plan to get a solid blue M605 or M405, with an ItaliFine nib from Richard Binder (0.7 mm cursive italic, and extra fine on the back). I also plan that this will be my only fountain pen purchase for a very long time, therefore, I should be able to enjoy it for many years at my own desk, or at the lecture halls at my university.

I once considered whether to buy the 805 or 605, but I don't think the 805 is suitable for me anymore, both financially, or functionally. So now I don't know whether to get the 405 or 605. Any suggestions?

The only difference is size. I find the 400 a bit small, and the 600 perfect for my hand, but you must decide for yourself.

My two cents . . . I would go for the M605 (I have one myself). The bit of extra length adds just enough versatility and substance. The Italifine will be a great choice, and for me, having the slightly larger pen makes it much easier to change the grip, which should enable you to take advantage of that nib.

Oh - and once you get that 605 in your hands, other pens may start calling to you sooner than you think!

I loved my 400 until I got a 600 and wouldn't use anything but it... that is until I got the 800! I think for you situation the 600 would be a great choice.

I am REALLY coveting that M150 with the red caps. Does that even exist anywhere one could buy it?

Back to the real questions - I just got my DH a M605. I think it would probably be better for anyone with hands bigger than mine, which is almost everyone. If you don't have small hands, spring for the M605.

I use both a 400 and a 600 for everyday writing. I like both sizes, both posted and unposted, though I favor the 600 just a little bit more because I like a larger pen. At some point I'll pick up an 800 and a 1000, and maybe even one of those little orange 320s, but the ones I have are all I really need for right now.

I think the M605 is a great choice. And - can't it be had for cheaper than an M405?

You could get the M605 from Pam Braun for $120; as opposed to $225 from Richard. Then send it to Richard for the nib work.

I have both and M200 (identical in size to the M400/405) and an M600. Both are among my best and most-often used writers. I have fairly large hands, and the M200 seems slightly undersized, although comfortable. The M600 is very comfortable in my hands, and is my #1 everyday pen. You may find the M400/405 fits better if you have smaller hands, an M600/605 if you have larger hands.

Cheers.

Hmm, if I go with the Pam Braun way, how should I package the pen for shipment to Richard Binder?

I guess I could emulate how Pam Braun packages the pen to ship to me....

Actually, Richard will just need the nib. So wrap the nib in bubble wrap, tape cardboard around it, and stick it in a bubble mailer. That's how I did mine.

Note that your nib will be gone for 16 weeks.

Hmmm, on the other hand, if I order from Mr. Binder directly with an ItaliFine nib, then he will do the customization immediately, then ship it to me. But that costs approximately 85 dollars more than the Pam Braun way. (The M605)

Does he do the work and ship immediately for items purchased from him? I was not aware...

EDIT: "If you purchase a pen and order its nib customized, I can customize the nib to your specifications immediately, before we ship your pen."

So, you make your choice and you pay your $.

According to the website, the current backlog is 17 weeks, but:

Hard decision! I hope.

Oh my, even buying the m605 from Pam Braun and ordering a new 6xx .7 mm italic and ex-fine ItaliFine nib from Richard Binder is cheaper than buying the pen directly from Richard Binder with the ItaliFine nib. And if you buy a customized nib from Richard Binder, you get to cut the queue. Isn't that great? I just hope Pam Braun doesn't run out of the m605 before mid January. That's when I plan to buy it.

Though I'm female, I have short, wide hands and wear a men's small glove. I have an M405, and it's a bit small for me BUT I carry a small purse, so it seemed the perfect compromise for my usual available space. A 605 wouldn't fit vertically in my purse but a 405 does (in a small case).