Hi all,

Just found the network this morning, and thought I'd join. I have had an affinity for writing instruments for as long as I can remember.

I've just decided to start seriously building a fountain pen collection. I've had a few here and there of dubious quality, and I currently use the Pilot Varsity at work, but I want to actually make the plunge and start collecting.

Looking forward to learning and discussing with you all!

Welcome to the FPN!! Jump on in as the water is fine. Would you collect vintage, new or both?

Welcome to the FPN!

Welcome to FPN from southern Maryland

Bill

Welcome! This is a great forum. I used to read for a long time and only now I started to post with my grandchild giving me crash course on signing up and posting :-)

I hope you are living near by one of the Pen Stores. We are lucky to have good ones in the beltway. Farhneys in DC, Pen Boutique ( at Montgomery Mall and Mall in Columbia), Bertrams Inkwell ( both White Flint and Baltimore). There is also snobby Paradise Pen Company in Tysons Corner and Pentagon City ( Sorry, can't forget the horrible customer service and their attitude that you cannot buy). My favorites are Pen Boutique and Bertrams (the one in White Flint). I have started to go now, often to Pen Boutique(every Saturday Morning) to check new stuff and spend time. Feel like a family over there.

Ralph

Welcome!

Welcome too from the other side of the Potomac!

And don't forget Pen Haven, in Kensington, Md. They have both vintage and new pens. Also do repairs (I have 4 pens in repair there right now...) Open only Sat., Sun. 12-5. People just hang out there those days/times - very friendly.

I have no affiliation, other than being a satisfied customer.

Erick

Well, that's a question I've actually been thinking about a great deal the last few weeks. I think it's going to be both. This Saturday, I'm buying a Lamy Safari for daily use. However, I'm pretty interested in trying a Parker 51 given its history and widely favorable views.

For the time being, however, I think it will mostly be new pens because I don't feel like I know enough to buy vintage and not make a foolish mistake.

I've got a gift certificate to Bertram's burning a hole in my pocket, which is where I'm planning to pick up my Lamy Safari this weekend. I tried to get something a few weeks ago at the White Flint store but there was some needy customer in there that apparently warranted more attention than me, and I was ignored by the single staff person. Thus, I left.

In the end, it worked out for the better because I now know what I want and won't have to rely on the staff as much. Probably just a fluke, but I was kind of irritated about being ignored. Thanks for the mention of the others. It's good to know what's out there!