I'm a bit of a young fogey (minus the conservative side)/traditionalist/history buff etc
Also involved in a historic preservation society in town.. which lead to buying a 1912 house, then some antique furniture, a fedora.. then a double edge razor from the 1920s, and now... fountain pens.. Basically I'm not much for the cheap and disposable society we are, and would rather have less of quality, than more cheap items.

That said, I dug out my old sheaffer fountain pen that I used I elementary school back in the late 70's, and a more recent sheaffer calligraphy set pen, and will likely draw bemused looks from my coworkers when I start using them at work tomorrow

I find with these two pens, the lines are a bit thick for my liking (the calligraphy nib is 'fine', and I believe the no frills pen nib is as well), so I'm hoping to find a nice pen with perhaps an 'extra fine' nib. I notice the 30 yr old produces about a .7mm line, whereas the calligraphy pen is mostly about 1.0mm, with some strokes thinning down to 0.5 mm. Hoping to find something that's closer to 0.5 consistently.

I also found today, after visiting Office Depot and Staples, that pads of 'writing paper' seem to be somewhat archaic, unless you're looking for linen laser printer paper, or office notebooks.. sad really.

The best part is checking out this website made me think about pens in general, and with some quick tests made me realize how much more pressure is required, and how much less satisfaction is had, from a ball point, vs a fountain pen or good rollerball. I'll probably never use a ballpoint again if I can help it...well.. unless it's a really fantastic one

I'm sure there's a lot of info to be learned here!

EDIT: From reading a newbie post about nib sizes, I see that the Calligraphy 'fine' is double what a regular fine would be, and my elementary school pen must be a M or even a B from the line width, so I'm exited to get myself a a new pen ... oh no.. addiction imminent.

Welcome to FPN.

welcome to FPN! I'm in Alberta too, south of you.

Have you been to Reid's on 17th? I was up there a few weekends ago and it is a terrific place to browse, look at pens, buy ink (if you don't know that already). The staff is very friendly and helpful. Actually it was a visit there several years ago that got me back into using fountain pens, aside from the 70's Sheaffer calligraphy set you're also familiar with

If you haven't been there yet, be prepared to have fun. They also stock a lot of FP friendly notebooks and stationary.

HI and Welcome to the FPN!!

Welcome to FPN!

Welcome!

My first FP was a calligraphy pen I got for art class in middle school, then followed up with a Sheaffer Targa medium - a very wet, thick nib. I didn't realize for years how delicate a line a fountain pen could produce.

That said, now I am back in a medium - a Pelikan this time. Thinner than my Sheaffer, thicker than my Jinhao medium, very smooth and neat.

You know I did briefly stop into Reids on the weekend, hoping to look at some Sheaffers, but I realized quickly that they don't carry them, and have to admit I felt a bit intimidated, more like I was at a jewelry store than a stationary shop, I don't think I spied a pen under $100.. so I scurried out. I'll have to pick another brand (which they do carry) to lust over and then return.

You've that right! Welcome and enjoy the obsession.

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone..as for the addiction, luckily I've gone onto a new 'classic item' before going too crazy with any particular one (you should see the guys with 25 double edged razors and 75 tubes of shave cream lol).. we'll see if my record ends with fountain pens

Greetings, fellow history buff!!

If you have come here to search for antique/vintage fountain pens, you are in the right place, for here they may be found in abundance.

FWIW, the first time I was there I bought a $20 Pelikano, and recently bought a $39 Safari, and they were still very nice to me.

Although I'm not necessarily recommending it, it would be possible for you to buy pens on-line for a considerable discount once you decide what you want, and part of that decision making process might be going to the store to see how they feel in your hand. I'm always kind of torn between getting the savings and supporting local (and in this case, independent) brick and mortar stores. (and DH and I did dump a considerable amount of cash with them last time we were there. Supporting local merchants....yeah, that's the ticket...!)

After perusing some of the reviews here, you might feel more confident going back, knowing what you want and what to look for.

There seem to be a number of people here who have razor fetishes as well as pen fetishes. Just sayin'

Not me! I haven't even started developing the necessities for starting to shave yet.

But I have noticed that several people who collect fountain pens seem to be more interested in older things, like straight-razors, mechanical timepieces, vintage cars and other little physical reminders of days gone by. In my case, it's vintage jazz.

I agree completely...timepieces are next .. I'm just hoping I don't run out of vintage personal accessories to dive into!

Hello and welcome aboard the FPN! I used to have a double-edge razor from the late 1930s, but lost it when I moved 20 years ago. If you hangout here a lot, be prepared to become addicted to fountain pens. However, one has to look around for good quality paper these days. I am thinking about ordering some Clairefontaine fron France in the next few months.

Another Calgarian! Terrific. We're almost getting enough for a pen club here.
I heartily second the recommendation of Reid's on 17th. Also, if you work in the downtown office towers, check out Madison & Page in the Plus-15 level of Fifth Avenue Place. It's an executive gift place but it does have a pen counter.
Soon, you too will be addicted.

Hi there and welcome! I remember the dinosaur park there. Your old principle is the best. As for FPs as well, get a few dinosaurs of more quality and no cheapies...

Mike

I thought there were a few Albertans here.
Question, any idea if any of the Chinatown shops carry Hero brand?
Seems silly to mail order some when I could likely find some a 30 min walk away from home.

Hi DizzyEdge,

Welcome to the FPN! And cheers to the last of your savings exchanged for a growing pen collection. Seems like every time I log on I end up reading a review of something or other and getting it.

Even with shipping, online ordering seems to be the cheapest. Especially when you order several items at once. The only thing I get locally (defined by no more than a 2.5 hour one way trip) is Parker, and Sheaffer ink. Of course I am 10 or so hours north of you so my experience is probably quite different from what you will go through.

Hello and welcome to FPN.