Hey everyone,

Im in the process of trying to find my dad a nice pen for his birthday. He's turning 55, does a tone of writing at work, but is LEFT handed. I really have no idea as to what he might like more, or might be more practical...rb, bp or fountain. Im currently a student so my budget is limited, max $200.

I know Costco sell Montblanc Generation Pens for under $200 in RB & BP...are these any good?

What do you guys recommend?

Thanks


Mike

Dear Mike,

Since you posted this in the Cross forum, I can point out that Cross offers two lines well within your price range that are high quality pens including fountain pen, rollerball and ballpoint choices, the Townsend and the Apogee. Cross has lots of dealers, so you should have no trouble locating a pen at a good price.


Cross Apogee Frosty Steel Fountain Pen


Cross Townsend Garnet Selectip Pen

The pens are about the same length and weight, with the Apogee being very modern looking and the Townsend being very classic, with cues from the original Cross Century from the 1940s.

Cross pens all write well, and their refills are very easy to find, so giving one will not put your dad in a position of having something that he can't get supplies for.

What I recommend, since you asked very generally, is to think about whether your dad likes classic / vintage items or up to date modern? Does he use a fountain pen now, or is he most likely to use a ballpoint or rollerball. I would recommend you give him a pen he will want to use, not a paperweight that will sit in the box.

Best of luck with your decision!

Cheers,

Jim Mamoulides
www.PenHero.com

WOW both of those look great!!! DOes it make a difference that he is left handed?? Ill definetely look into them,


thanks


mike

Dear Mike,

Cross only makes rounded point nibs, so your dad should be able to use the pen just fine.

Oblique nibs are truly rare these days and offered only by a few manufacturers. A good nib smith can make the nib oblique, if you need that done, at an additional cost.

Cheers,

Jim Mamoulides
www.PenHero.com

Hi Mike! If your dad does lots of writing at work, he might really like a Pilot/Namiki Vanishing Point. I am also a lefty and do lots of writing at work. These pens come in every color you can imagine, with gold or silver trim and work just as a ballpoint: the nib can be clicked in and out which makes this pen quite convenient to use. The only drawback I can see is that the converters don't hold a ton of ink but if he doesn't mind keeping a bottle of ink on his desk and refilling the pen often, there shouldn't be a problem.

Mike, Jim has made two excellent suggestions and not only is he a member here, but he is a Cross dealer and and a first rate person to buy from.

Yeah....Im in the process of talking my wife into getting me one of his Cross Century II old stock FP for our Anniversary!! They look pretty good for the price. Im between that or perhaps a Waterman Charlseton FP.

AS for my dad, well I spoke with his wife yesterday and she says that her likes ballpoint the best, then rollerball's and that he hasnt really had that much experience with a FP before. So Ive been looking at the Cross Townsend line, as well as the Parker Sonnet. But I defientely want to be able to get him something that he is going to be able to enjoy and use often.


What do you guys think?

Thanks again



Mike