Found you guys over at Badger and Blade. I would like to get some suggestion on a first fountain pen. One that would be used for daily writing, not a collectors piece. Thank you for your help.

Are you a student? Lamy Safari. In business? The sky's the limit especially if you want to impress clients. What are you writing? Welcome to FPN!

Not a student, not in business, just a retired old guy looking to improve my handwriting.

In that case a good sized Pelikan like a 600 or 800 would be just right.

Welcome to FPN Big Fella!!

Hello Howdy,

Pelikan and Lamy are the most common pens in german schools. Very good for practicing handwriting. Not too expensive and very good steel nibs. In Ebay you will find a lot of them.
Maybe you have some friends using fountain pens: it would be useful to try different nibsizes. The only dipped pens in shops don't really show the quality that fits to you. You should try with patience on you everyday paper. I had a lot of friends who never experienced the comfortable writing with a good fountain pen - there is a lot of prejudice... Since they knew the different possibilities after trying my collection, they knew what they had to look for. (Sounds like bad english grammar...). I hope you get what I'm trying to say
The main thing is: look for pleasure! A good fountain pen flows like milk and honey over every quality paper! Never use those "environment caring" papers: impossible with fountain pens. Good paper is nearly as important as the nib.

Greetings from another newcomer

Anna M.

I think a Namiki Falcon is a good choice unless you have really big hands and prefer a fatter pen. Getting to try some first hand as suggested is a very good idea too. If you write with a lot of pressure, the Falcon will give you a very shaded line for lots of personality in your handwriting. If you like a stiffer nib with a constant pen line, most Parkers, in my opinion, would be a good fit.

Big Fella, I'd give the Lamy Safari a try first. It's inexpensive and reliable--built like a tank! Play around with it for a while, and if you enjoy the experience then move up into the fancier pens. The choices are endless, and any FP you buy will be a significant step up from the world of ballpoints and rollerball.

Welcome to FPN.