Hello everyone,
This seems like a great forum. I believe that someone from Time Zone told me to check it out. To tell you a little bit about myself I am a 23 year old college student who is graduating from undergraduate business school in a couple of months. When I graduate I would like to buy myself a nice writing instrument. Of course I am a COMEPLETE novice and know absolutely nothing about what distinguishes a fine instrument from another. As a novice I know only the brands that everyone knows. I would like to get some advice on what would be a good treat for myself. The pen that got me looking into this was the Mont Blanc Starwalker (rubber and platinum). However the only thing that has attracted me to this particular instrument is the fact that it is stunningly beautiful, classic looking and there is no yellow gold and of course everyone knows Mont Blanc so it seemed like a good place to start.
Which variation is the best for everyday use? Fountain, ballpoint or fineliner? The fineliner seems like a cool idea to me and not as messy as a fountain. Please let me know what your impressions are of this instrument and if it is worth the money? Also are there any other options I should consider that are kind of "chunky" looking with simple, classic looks? Thanks so much and I look forward to your replies!!! Cheers!
-Antonio
Full Version: First post, advice please for a newbie
Hey Antonio (cool name).
There are lots of things to consider when buying a fountain pen. I often liken fountain pens to cars. And honestly, they aren't much different.
With a fountain pen, you must answer the following questions:
- What kind of writing do you do? Fast? Slow? Is it small? Is it large? How often do you write?
- Do you like thick or thin lines? If your writing is small or swirly, thin would be better. Thick nibs flood fancy letter-loops with ink and they turn all messy.
- You have big or small hands? A fountain pen is generally thicker than a ballpoint. It means you can space your fingers out more and not have to cramp them together - which becomes *really* painful with ballpoints after long periods of time.
- You right or left-handed?
- You want ink that dries fast? Or slow? Or don't care?
- Do you want a pen with a nib that is 'wet' (lays down lots of ink) or 'dry' (lays down enough ink to write and that's it). Wet pens lay down more ink which makes them smoother writers. Ink creates a lubricating effect between paper and nib which makes for smoother writing.
FAQ about fountain pens
- There's ink on the shiny side of the nib! Yeek!
This is called 'nib-creep' and it can happen. Fear not, little novice. It is not damaging in any way to the pen's ability to write. It's just annoying to look at.
- How hard should I press?
Not hard at all. Fountain pens don't need to be jammed into the paper. You'll break it if you do. Just relax your hand and write as if you were using a paintbrush - soft and delicate. As you get used to fountain pens, you'll gradually adopt a grip and writing-pressure that best suits you.
- How often do I clean my pens?
As often as you like. But every few months is best.
- What are the parts of the pen?
Nib. Shiny metal thing. Arguably the most vaulable part of the pen. Break this and the pen won't work. They can be repaired if broken, though, so don't freak out.
Feed. Black thing underneath the nib. Made of plastic and frilly. In the old days they were made of rubber and had a whole variety of shapes and sizes and patterns. The feed delivers ink to the nib. It's important to keep it clean.
Section. This is the part of the pen your fingers will grab hold of when writing. It holds the nib and feed and the filling-mechanism (or cartridge) when the pen is full.
Barrel. Main area of the pen. Houses the filling-mech.
Cap. Covers the nib & feed. Older pens have threaded caps, which mean they screw on. Modern pens use either screw-on caps or click-on caps. Some also use slip-on caps (the Parker '51' is a notable example).
Ask away, any other questions you might have. We don't bite.
But we will kill if our pens are threatened. Maternal instinct to protect our charges and all that...you understand.
There are lots of things to consider when buying a fountain pen. I often liken fountain pens to cars. And honestly, they aren't much different.
With a fountain pen, you must answer the following questions:
- What kind of writing do you do? Fast? Slow? Is it small? Is it large? How often do you write?
- Do you like thick or thin lines? If your writing is small or swirly, thin would be better. Thick nibs flood fancy letter-loops with ink and they turn all messy.
- You have big or small hands? A fountain pen is generally thicker than a ballpoint. It means you can space your fingers out more and not have to cramp them together - which becomes *really* painful with ballpoints after long periods of time.
- You right or left-handed?
- You want ink that dries fast? Or slow? Or don't care?
- Do you want a pen with a nib that is 'wet' (lays down lots of ink) or 'dry' (lays down enough ink to write and that's it). Wet pens lay down more ink which makes them smoother writers. Ink creates a lubricating effect between paper and nib which makes for smoother writing.
FAQ about fountain pens
- There's ink on the shiny side of the nib! Yeek!
This is called 'nib-creep' and it can happen. Fear not, little novice. It is not damaging in any way to the pen's ability to write. It's just annoying to look at.
- How hard should I press?
Not hard at all. Fountain pens don't need to be jammed into the paper. You'll break it if you do. Just relax your hand and write as if you were using a paintbrush - soft and delicate. As you get used to fountain pens, you'll gradually adopt a grip and writing-pressure that best suits you.
- How often do I clean my pens?
As often as you like. But every few months is best.
- What are the parts of the pen?
Nib. Shiny metal thing. Arguably the most vaulable part of the pen. Break this and the pen won't work. They can be repaired if broken, though, so don't freak out.
Feed. Black thing underneath the nib. Made of plastic and frilly. In the old days they were made of rubber and had a whole variety of shapes and sizes and patterns. The feed delivers ink to the nib. It's important to keep it clean.
Section. This is the part of the pen your fingers will grab hold of when writing. It holds the nib and feed and the filling-mechanism (or cartridge) when the pen is full.
Barrel. Main area of the pen. Houses the filling-mech.
Cap. Covers the nib & feed. Older pens have threaded caps, which mean they screw on. Modern pens use either screw-on caps or click-on caps. Some also use slip-on caps (the Parker '51' is a notable example).
Ask away, any other questions you might have. We don't bite.
But we will kill if our pens are threatened. Maternal instinct to protect our charges and all that...you understand.
Welcome to FPN.
Welcome to the FPN OmegaRed!!
Shangas covered pretty much all is what's needed for the first pen so not much I can add. The Starwalker is a beautifull pen so that's a good start to a decision. All I can add is try to find somewhere that will let you try a pen out plus check out the "Reviews" forum here and that might help. Other first options are Pelikans, Waterman Phileas or LAMY. Good luck and let us know what you get.
Shangas covered pretty much all is what's needed for the first pen so not much I can add. The Starwalker is a beautifull pen so that's a good start to a decision. All I can add is try to find somewhere that will let you try a pen out plus check out the "Reviews" forum here and that might help. Other first options are Pelikans, Waterman Phileas or LAMY. Good luck and let us know what you get.
Hi, welcome to here!
Congrats and all that!
MB Starwalker is nice looking, but I think it is one of those "after I pay off my student loans and/or get a real job" pen$$$$$$$$. Just because everybody knows it, that does not mean MB is a good place to start. Remember your marketing classes.
You have not yet decided whether you want FP, RB, or BP, right? You have to try before you buy. Have you ever used a fountain pen before? If not, try a Lamy or other inexpensive FP first. If you decide you want to venture further into this hobby, I would also condsider Cross ATX or Verve, Waterman Expert, Pelikan 200. Stipula College pen is also a nice one.
Also, before you make up your mind, look at pens on some of these other sites:
www.swisherpens.com
www.joon.com
www.fountainpenhospital.com
diane
Congrats and all that!
MB Starwalker is nice looking, but I think it is one of those "after I pay off my student loans and/or get a real job" pen$$$$$$$$. Just because everybody knows it, that does not mean MB is a good place to start. Remember your marketing classes.
You have not yet decided whether you want FP, RB, or BP, right? You have to try before you buy. Have you ever used a fountain pen before? If not, try a Lamy or other inexpensive FP first. If you decide you want to venture further into this hobby, I would also condsider Cross ATX or Verve, Waterman Expert, Pelikan 200. Stipula College pen is also a nice one.
Also, before you make up your mind, look at pens on some of these other sites:
www.swisherpens.com
www.joon.com
www.fountainpenhospital.com
diane
Just about every ballpoint and rollerball is the same.
This is not the case with fountain pens, and two nibs are never alike. As Satrap has said, you *must* try before you buy.
What this means is asking the retailer if you can dip-test the pen. This means dipping the pen in a bottle of ink and writing a few lines on some sheets of paper to get a feel for the pen. If the retailer refusts to let you dip-test, leave. They're being idiots by not allowing you to test the pen and you'd only be wasting your time there.
This is not the case with fountain pens, and two nibs are never alike. As Satrap has said, you *must* try before you buy.
What this means is asking the retailer if you can dip-test the pen. This means dipping the pen in a bottle of ink and writing a few lines on some sheets of paper to get a feel for the pen. If the retailer refusts to let you dip-test, leave. They're being idiots by not allowing you to test the pen and you'd only be wasting your time there.
QUOTE(Shangas @ May 11 2008, 06:48 AM) [snapback]607448[/snapback]
Just about every ballpoint and rollerball is the same.
This is not the case with fountain pens, and two nibs are never alike. As Satrap has said, you *must* try before you buy.
What this means is asking the retailer if you can dip-test the pen. This means dipping the pen in a bottle of ink and writing a few lines on some sheets of paper to get a feel for the pen. If the retailer refusts to let you dip-test, leave. They're being idiots by not allowing you to test the pen and you'd only be wasting your time there.
This is not the case with fountain pens, and two nibs are never alike. As Satrap has said, you *must* try before you buy.
What this means is asking the retailer if you can dip-test the pen. This means dipping the pen in a bottle of ink and writing a few lines on some sheets of paper to get a feel for the pen. If the retailer refusts to let you dip-test, leave. They're being idiots by not allowing you to test the pen and you'd only be wasting your time there.
Hi Shangas,
How do all nibs from the same company compare? Do they use different nibs for the higher line than the lower line?
I can't say that I liked the $100 nib on the retractible Pilot compared to my cheapie Parker Reflex.
Wanda
QUOTE(PacificCoastPen @ May 11 2008, 10:16 AM) [snapback]607488[/snapback]
QUOTE(Shangas @ May 11 2008, 06:48 AM) [snapback]607448[/snapback]
Just about every ballpoint and rollerball is the same.
This is not the case with fountain pens, and two nibs are never alike. As Satrap has said, you *must* try before you buy.
What this means is asking the retailer if you can dip-test the pen. This means dipping the pen in a bottle of ink and writing a few lines on some sheets of paper to get a feel for the pen. If the retailer refusts to let you dip-test, leave. They're being idiots by not allowing you to test the pen and you'd only be wasting your time there.
This is not the case with fountain pens, and two nibs are never alike. As Satrap has said, you *must* try before you buy.
What this means is asking the retailer if you can dip-test the pen. This means dipping the pen in a bottle of ink and writing a few lines on some sheets of paper to get a feel for the pen. If the retailer refusts to let you dip-test, leave. They're being idiots by not allowing you to test the pen and you'd only be wasting your time there.
Hi Shangas,
How do all nibs from the same company compare? Do they use different nibs for the higher line than the lower line?
I can't say that I liked the $100 nib on the retractible Pilot compared to my cheapie Parker Reflex.
Wanda
=======
Definitely going to be a difference. Shangas used cars as an example. How do all (cars, shoes, food, purses, shampoo, appliances, etc.) items from the same company compare?
The plated nib on my Waterman Expert is not the same as my LeMan 100 (gold nib). Of course, the other thing that's involved is craftsmanship, quality control (these things are made by humans), etc. If you had a problem with the Pilot, I hope you sent it back for service.
d.
FWIW, for the "classic business" look I would suggest you look for a Cross 10KT Classic II FP/BP/MP/SelectTip set. It is understated and conveys no negative perceptions in the business world.
QUOTE(OmegaRed @ May 11 2008, 04:57 AM) [snapback]607368[/snapback]
...The pen that got me looking into this was the Mont Blanc Starwalker (rubber and platinum). However the only thing that has attracted me to this particular instrument is the fact that it is stunningly beautiful, classic looking and there is no yellow gold and of course everyone knows Mont Blanc so it seemed like a good place to start.
Which variation is the best for everyday use? Fountain, ballpoint or fineliner? The fineliner seems like a cool idea to me and not as messy as a fountain...Also are there any other options I should consider that are kind of "chunky" looking with simple, classic looks?
-Antonio
Which variation is the best for everyday use? Fountain, ballpoint or fineliner? The fineliner seems like a cool idea to me and not as messy as a fountain...Also are there any other options I should consider that are kind of "chunky" looking with simple, classic looks?
-Antonio
Congrats on Business School! Freshly minted business school grads usually have great ideas and boundless enthusiasm. Will you go on to get your MBA?
I have a Starwalker fountain pen, and agree with you that it's a great looking pen. The wicked cool rubber and icy platinum grid give the pen a visual and tactile texture that I like. The Starwalker is a little narrow in girth for my taste - a wider pen allows a more comfortable, uncrowded grip. The Montblanc 146 and the flagship 149 are bigger wider pens.
The Montblanc Starwalker, and its upscale cousins the Montblanc Meisterstuk line (the black "resin" cigar shaped fountain pens) are instantly more recognizable than any other pen. That has advantages and disadvantages. Some see a Montblanc and think "graduation present" or worse "poser." But to other Montblanc users, seeing someone else use a Montblanc is like running across a fellow member of a not-so-secret society. If your company's management is often seen with Montblancs in hand, then by all means, buy a Montblanc. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
The Starwalker Fineliner is a relatively new offering for Montblanc. It uses fiber tipped cartridges, similar to the Pilot Razor pens. Like a fountain pen, a Fineliner requires absolutely no pressure on the page to write. But unlike a fountain pen (and just like a Pilot Razor), the fiber tipped Fineliner begins to broaden and flatten as it is used. So the crisp fine line of a new refill cartridge becomes mushy and broad halfway through its ink supply.
The primary advantage to writing with a fountain pen is that the pen requires no pressure to put line to paper, and so it instantly and completely eliminates writer's cramp. As an MBA, your future is filled with endless meetings, and most guys still take notes in meetings with pen and paper.
Most guys are now choosing white metal jewelry (silver, white gold, platinum), rather than yellow gold. It's less flashy and seems to fit better with khakis and a polo on the weekends.
Other classic, "chunky" pens from respected manufacturers that you should look at and consider:
Pelikan M600, M800, or M1000 in the green striped versions (probably the second most recognized pen among older executives)
Waterman Carene or Edson (the Waterman Edson Black Diamond is black & frosted silver)
Montblanc 146 (available in black & platinum, or in black & gold - also called the LeGrand) or 149 (only available in black & gold - also called the Diplomat)
Most vintage pens are shorter and thinner than contemporary pens. I have not found them comfortable in my medium (size 7.5 glove) hand, though many here find restored vintage pens superior to anything on the market today.
My vote: buy the Montblanc Starwalker Fountain Pen. You already like its looks (so do I). It marks you as a member of "the club" but with a younger, cooler edge. Second choice: the Montblanc 146 in platinum and black - slightly smaller than the MB 149 pen your CEO carries (if he is smart enough to carry a fountain pen). Have the pen tuned and have the nib customized after purchase by a nibmeister (not expensive). Read more about cursive italic and stub nibs on this forum.
Good photos and price quotes at www.fountainpenhospital.com
If you decide to buy a Pelikan, consider buying from famed Nibmeister Richard Binder, because he checks each pen he sells before it leaves his shop. www.richardspens.com
Have fun Antonio. And congrats again.
Hello and welcome to the FPN Forums. 
Hello everyone!!!
I just want to say that this is the warmest welcome I have had on any forum bar none!!! Thank you to all for your quick and very informative replies! I am excited about picking out my first nice pen especially because it will probably be the only nice one that I will have for awhile.
I do plan on applying to get my MBA next year for those who asked. I would like to take a nice pen with me, not so much to take notes but for special occasions and such. The Starwalker seems to very well received by people on this board. I do feel rather naive going straight to Montblanc because it is the brand that everyone knows. It seems like it may be the Rolex of the pen world. Everyone knows about it, it may be a little more expensive than its competitors but still a quality piece nonetheless. Also from what I gather fountain type pens are related to automatic and manual watches. People prefer the precision and craftsmanship of them over the more mundane newer technologies of ball points and such, which could be the equivalent of a fine quartz watch. A fountain pen is more "pure" and traditional. If Montblac is Rolex then which brand may be the Omega equivalent? To me Omega is just as good if not better in some ways and offers better value overall and still has world renowned quality. Thanks again to everyone for their enthusiastic replies!! Cheers!
-Antonio
I just want to say that this is the warmest welcome I have had on any forum bar none!!! Thank you to all for your quick and very informative replies! I am excited about picking out my first nice pen especially because it will probably be the only nice one that I will have for awhile.
I do plan on applying to get my MBA next year for those who asked. I would like to take a nice pen with me, not so much to take notes but for special occasions and such. The Starwalker seems to very well received by people on this board. I do feel rather naive going straight to Montblanc because it is the brand that everyone knows. It seems like it may be the Rolex of the pen world. Everyone knows about it, it may be a little more expensive than its competitors but still a quality piece nonetheless. Also from what I gather fountain type pens are related to automatic and manual watches. People prefer the precision and craftsmanship of them over the more mundane newer technologies of ball points and such, which could be the equivalent of a fine quartz watch. A fountain pen is more "pure" and traditional. If Montblac is Rolex then which brand may be the Omega equivalent? To me Omega is just as good if not better in some ways and offers better value overall and still has world renowned quality. Thanks again to everyone for their enthusiastic replies!! Cheers!
-Antonio
Welcome to the forum!
As for your question about which pen is more useful in a day-to-day context, I think all of them can be equally useful. Fountain pens really aren't messy, with the possible exception of refilling them. If you use a cartridge to refill, even that in pretty much completely mess free. Personally, I like bottled inks, and don't think a bit of nib-wiping is too much of a mess.
I am an IT professional and use fountain pens each and every day, so any of your options would almost certainly work, unless you end up in a position where you write on thermal receipt paper all the time.
If you like the basic look/lines of the Montblanc, you can also check out the offerings from Sailor, the Namiki/Pilot "Custom" line, or maybe a vintage fountain pen like a Sheaffer Balance.
As for your question about which pen is more useful in a day-to-day context, I think all of them can be equally useful. Fountain pens really aren't messy, with the possible exception of refilling them. If you use a cartridge to refill, even that in pretty much completely mess free. Personally, I like bottled inks, and don't think a bit of nib-wiping is too much of a mess.
I am an IT professional and use fountain pens each and every day, so any of your options would almost certainly work, unless you end up in a position where you write on thermal receipt paper all the time.
If you like the basic look/lines of the Montblanc, you can also check out the offerings from Sailor, the Namiki/Pilot "Custom" line, or maybe a vintage fountain pen like a Sheaffer Balance.
Do not feel bad about jumping right in a getting a MontBlanc. I would guess that the vast majority of people here and in the non-FPN world were first introduced to fountain pens by MontBlanc. I would also second the notion of getting the StarWalker. I am a huge fan of the Cool Blue because a) it is not a black MB pen, and 
it is not a black MB pen. It would definitely get you noticed in the business world, but I am not sure what kind of recognition you would get (unique, creative thinker or rebellious, free thinker). Anyway, enjoy business school with whatever fountain pen you choose. Also, enjoy FPN. I have found that there are some extremely nice people to be found here.
-Cody
it is not a black MB pen. It would definitely get you noticed in the business world, but I am not sure what kind of recognition you would get (unique, creative thinker or rebellious, free thinker). Anyway, enjoy business school with whatever fountain pen you choose. Also, enjoy FPN. I have found that there are some extremely nice people to be found here.-Cody
I think Pelikan would be the Omega equivalent, although the looks of Pelikan pens are much more conservative than some of Omega's more baroque offerings. Of all the modern pens I have tried I've like Pelikan the best - substantial, understated, and well-designed.
Hi OmegaRed and welcome aboard.
THis is really a truly great forum and you'll gets lots of good advice as to this that and the other re FPs. So much that you'll end up with lots of new FPs!
Mike
THis is really a truly great forum and you'll gets lots of good advice as to this that and the other re FPs. So much that you'll end up with lots of new FPs!
Mike
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