Last time I checked, I had like 40+ fountain pens pretty evenly distributed between vintage and modern. I usually keep 2 pens inked at all times, when they run low (usually in about 2 weeks), I clean them and rotate another 2 in. I like to use different inks, so that changes as well. My writing at work is mostly notes, either in meetings or from phone conversations. I have been following this for years…

Do you know what I just discovered? I think my favorite all around pen, the one that always starts, always writes great, loves ANY ink….is my Visconti Van Gogh middi with the medium steel nib. I think this kind of surprised me. I own more expensive modern pens and quite a few great vintage (like the Parker “51”).

So in the New Year I’m going to buy another! Will get a different color and maybe try a gold nib.

Visconti does lovely steel nibs. While you're hunting, the Pericles also has the steel nibs and can be spotted occasionally on fleabay. It's a little longer tho', tending more toward the Maxi size of things.

Epiphanies are marveous, aren't they? If you have found the Visconti Van Gogh middi works for you, then go for it. Get another one, or two or three, and just love 'em for the great pens that they are.

I have one of those also and enjoy writing with it as well. I bought a the large Maxi demonstrator because I liked it. It writes similarly, but the acrylic causes the cap not to stay posted so it falls off while writing. I have a big hand, so now that you mentioned it, I think I'm going to order a Van Gogh, musk Maxi. Thanks a lot... just what I need, another fountain pen... but I want it, I need it... my precious...

JD