During one of my regular antique store rounds for DE razors, I bought a Sheaffer NoNonsense cartridge FP. I've received some help from the gents on Badger & Blade and joined here at their suggestion. My name is Jonathan. I am an elementary school counselor in upstate South Carolina, 26, married for 3 years. BA in English, MEd in Counseling. Love DE razors, books, music, et cetera. I have two FP's - the one I just bought and another I bought several years ago, new. Both are cartridge pens.
One question I have right out of the chute, so to speak: for a casual FP user, is a cartridge pen a better deal? I have been intimidated by the old reservoir pens with the lever on the side...I imagine them leaking or not being able to clean them correctly.
Full Version: Referral from Badger & Blade
Welcome Jonathan.
You've certainly come to the right place to learn about fountain pens. Poke around a little and you'll be amazed at what kind of knowledge is here. Freely shared too.
Enjoy your visits.
You've certainly come to the right place to learn about fountain pens. Poke around a little and you'll be amazed at what kind of knowledge is here. Freely shared too.
Enjoy your visits.
Welcome aboard Bishop,
I used to lurk at B&B, when I was getting started in wet shaving with a safety razor. That site is great resource for all matters of shaving and men's grooming.
Cartridges are less intimidating as you say, and do have their merits, but you will soon get sucked into the vortex and will want to venture into all sorts of fountain pens. One thing to keep in mind, you are not limited to cartridge inks. You may be able to get a cartridge converter, or refill your empty cartridge with any ink you choose. There are many more options of inks when you go to bottled inks. All you need is something like this.
http://www.peartreepens.com/The-Write-Fill...l-Kit-p/wfk.htm
Don't be shy and ask many questions, everyone here is very kind and helpful.
I used to lurk at B&B, when I was getting started in wet shaving with a safety razor. That site is great resource for all matters of shaving and men's grooming.
Cartridges are less intimidating as you say, and do have their merits, but you will soon get sucked into the vortex and will want to venture into all sorts of fountain pens. One thing to keep in mind, you are not limited to cartridge inks. You may be able to get a cartridge converter, or refill your empty cartridge with any ink you choose. There are many more options of inks when you go to bottled inks. All you need is something like this.
http://www.peartreepens.com/The-Write-Fill...l-Kit-p/wfk.htm
Don't be shy and ask many questions, everyone here is very kind and helpful.
QUOTE (bishop @ Jul 16 2008, 07:52 PM) 
During one of my regular antique store rounds for DE razors, I bought a Sheaffer NoNonsense cartridge FP. I've received some help from the gents on Badger & Blade and joined here at their suggestion. My name is Jonathan. I am an elementary school counselor in upstate South Carolina, 26, married for 3 years. BA in English, MEd in Counseling. Love DE razors, books, music, et cetera. I have two FP's - the one I just bought and another I bought several years ago, new. Both are cartridge pens.
One question I have right out of the chute, so to speak: for a casual FP user, is a cartridge pen a better deal? I have been intimidated by the old reservoir pens with the lever on the side...I imagine them leaking or not being able to clean them correctly.
One question I have right out of the chute, so to speak: for a casual FP user, is a cartridge pen a better deal? I have been intimidated by the old reservoir pens with the lever on the side...I imagine them leaking or not being able to clean them correctly.
Welcome, Jonathan!
There are no hard and fast rules about what kind of FP to start with. That said, I for one did start with cartridge pens and used only that style for many years. I still use cartridges for convenience in the workplace.
Not all liquid ink filling systems are lever-based. Many modern pens are designed to use either a cartridge or a converter (twist-up ink-filling system that some people find less intimidating than a lever fill). There are also sac pens that don't have levers--one unscrews the barrel and squeezes a pressure bar to suck up ink. Hero pens, an inexpensive and very nice line from China, usually use this method, with high capacities and lots of words per milliliter.
There are no hard and fast rules about what kind of FP to start with. That said, I for one did start with cartridge pens and used only that style for many years. I still use cartridges for convenience in the workplace.
Not all liquid ink filling systems are lever-based. Many modern pens are designed to use either a cartridge or a converter (twist-up ink-filling system that some people find less intimidating than a lever fill). There are also sac pens that don't have levers--one unscrews the barrel and squeezes a pressure bar to suck up ink. Hero pens, an inexpensive and very nice line from China, usually use this method, with high capacities and lots of words per milliliter.
Thanks for the warm welcomes - I'm looking forward to digging through this site and interacting with folks.
I've posted a photo of my recent acquisition - I think it is a NoNonsense, but more specific identification and/or correction would be appreciated. (the smaller cartridge pictured is a Pelikan, which fits my other FP - I put it there for size comparison when explaining on B&B)
superbleu: would this also work?
I've posted a photo of my recent acquisition - I think it is a NoNonsense, but more specific identification and/or correction would be appreciated. (the smaller cartridge pictured is a Pelikan, which fits my other FP - I put it there for size comparison when explaining on B&B)
superbleu: would this also work?
QUOTE (MinasTirithScribe @ Jul 16 2008, 11:09 PM)
Welcome, Jonathan!
There are no hard and fast rules about what kind of FP to start with. That said, I for one did start with cartridge pens and used only that style for many years. I still use cartridges for convenience in the workplace.
Not all liquid ink filling systems are lever-based. Many modern pens are designed to use either a cartridge or a converter (twist-up ink-filling system that some people find less intimidating than a lever fill). There are also sac pens that don't have levers--one unscrews the barrel and squeezes a pressure bar to suck up ink. Hero pens, an inexpensive and very nice line from China, usually use this method, with high capacities and lots of words per milliliter.
There are no hard and fast rules about what kind of FP to start with. That said, I for one did start with cartridge pens and used only that style for many years. I still use cartridges for convenience in the workplace.
Not all liquid ink filling systems are lever-based. Many modern pens are designed to use either a cartridge or a converter (twist-up ink-filling system that some people find less intimidating than a lever fill). There are also sac pens that don't have levers--one unscrews the barrel and squeezes a pressure bar to suck up ink. Hero pens, an inexpensive and very nice line from China, usually use this method, with high capacities and lots of words per milliliter.
Many of the pens available in local antique shops are lever-fill and quite beautiful. I would like to buy a nice one for a decent price, but I worry about being able to clean it properly and care for it. Judging from what I've read, though, it shouldn't be a big deal. I guess I'm afraid of getting stuck with one that either doesn't clean up correctly or leaks ink everywhere.
I do like the idea of getting a converter for my existing Sheaffer and buying a bottle of whatever ink I want.
From the description it looks like that converter would work, but I'll let some of the elder statesmen/women chime in. I am also pretty new on the board, and to fountain pens.
If you see a nice looking more well known brand pen for a good price and the lever feels like it works it may be worth taking a chance and picking it up, usually all that is needed is a good cleaning and a new sac if you hear a crackling sound when you move the lever. I would recommend shopping the for sale board here, to pick up a working pen to get your feet wet, then as you figure out what is what and what you think you would like, then venture out and explore the antiques shops to look for a diamond in the rough.
My first lever filler was an esterbrook and I think that is a great pen to start with.
Members are always buying and selling pens, and buying on the boards here. You will know if you are getting a fully functional pen or not. There are also some great deals too.
Have fun.
, it
Many of the pens available in local antique shops are lever-fill and quite beautiful. I would like to buy a nice one for a decent price, but I worry about being able to clean it properly and care for it. Judging from what I've read, though, it shouldn't be a big deal. I guess I'm afraid of getting stuck with one that either doesn't clean up correctly or leaks ink everywhere.
I do like the idea of getting a converter for my existing Sheaffer and buying a bottle of whatever ink I want.
If you see a nice looking more well known brand pen for a good price and the lever feels like it works it may be worth taking a chance and picking it up, usually all that is needed is a good cleaning and a new sac if you hear a crackling sound when you move the lever. I would recommend shopping the for sale board here, to pick up a working pen to get your feet wet, then as you figure out what is what and what you think you would like, then venture out and explore the antiques shops to look for a diamond in the rough.
My first lever filler was an esterbrook and I think that is a great pen to start with.
Members are always buying and selling pens, and buying on the boards here. You will know if you are getting a fully functional pen or not. There are also some great deals too.
Have fun.
, it
QUOTE (bishop @ Jul 16 2008, 08:18 PM)
QUOTE (MinasTirithScribe @ Jul 16 2008, 11:09 PM)
Welcome, Jonathan!
There are no hard and fast rules about what kind of FP to start with. That said, I for one did start with cartridge pens and used only that style for many years. I still use cartridges for convenience in the workplace.
Not all liquid ink filling systems are lever-based. Many modern pens are designed to use either a cartridge or a converter (twist-up ink-filling system that some people find less intimidating than a lever fill). There are also sac pens that don't have levers--one unscrews the barrel and squeezes a pressure bar to suck up ink. Hero pens, an inexpensive and very nice line from China, usually use this method, with high capacities and lots of words per milliliter.
There are no hard and fast rules about what kind of FP to start with. That said, I for one did start with cartridge pens and used only that style for many years. I still use cartridges for convenience in the workplace.
Not all liquid ink filling systems are lever-based. Many modern pens are designed to use either a cartridge or a converter (twist-up ink-filling system that some people find less intimidating than a lever fill). There are also sac pens that don't have levers--one unscrews the barrel and squeezes a pressure bar to suck up ink. Hero pens, an inexpensive and very nice line from China, usually use this method, with high capacities and lots of words per milliliter.
Many of the pens available in local antique shops are lever-fill and quite beautiful. I would like to buy a nice one for a decent price, but I worry about being able to clean it properly and care for it. Judging from what I've read, though, it shouldn't be a big deal. I guess I'm afraid of getting stuck with one that either doesn't clean up correctly or leaks ink everywhere.
I do like the idea of getting a converter for my existing Sheaffer and buying a bottle of whatever ink I want.
Welcome to the FPN!!
QUOTE (superbleu @ Jul 16 2008, 11:32 PM)
From the description it looks like that converter would work, but I'll let some of the elder statesmen/women chime in. I am also pretty new on the board, and to fountain pens.
If you see a nice looking more well known brand pen for a good price and the lever feels like it works it may be worth taking a chance and picking it up, usually all that is needed is a good cleaning and a new sac if you hear a crackling sound when you move the lever. I would recommend shopping the for sale board here, to pick up a working pen to get your feet wet, then as you figure out what is what and what you think you would like, then venture out and explore the antiques shops to look for a diamond in the rough.
My first lever filler was an esterbrook and I think that is a great pen to start with.
Members are always buying and selling pens, and buying on the boards here. You will know if you are getting a fully functional pen or not. There are also some great deals too.
Have fun.
, it
Many of the pens available in local antique shops are lever-fill and quite beautiful. I would like to buy a nice one for a decent price, but I worry about being able to clean it properly and care for it. Judging from what I've read, though, it shouldn't be a big deal. I guess I'm afraid of getting stuck with one that either doesn't clean up correctly or leaks ink everywhere.
I do like the idea of getting a converter for my existing Sheaffer and buying a bottle of whatever ink I want.
If you see a nice looking more well known brand pen for a good price and the lever feels like it works it may be worth taking a chance and picking it up, usually all that is needed is a good cleaning and a new sac if you hear a crackling sound when you move the lever. I would recommend shopping the for sale board here, to pick up a working pen to get your feet wet, then as you figure out what is what and what you think you would like, then venture out and explore the antiques shops to look for a diamond in the rough.
My first lever filler was an esterbrook and I think that is a great pen to start with.
Members are always buying and selling pens, and buying on the boards here. You will know if you are getting a fully functional pen or not. There are also some great deals too.
Have fun.
, it
QUOTE (bishop @ Jul 16 2008, 08:18 PM)
QUOTE (MinasTirithScribe @ Jul 16 2008, 11:09 PM)
Welcome, Jonathan!
There are no hard and fast rules about what kind of FP to start with. That said, I for one did start with cartridge pens and used only that style for many years. I still use cartridges for convenience in the workplace.
Not all liquid ink filling systems are lever-based. Many modern pens are designed to use either a cartridge or a converter (twist-up ink-filling system that some people find less intimidating than a lever fill). There are also sac pens that don't have levers--one unscrews the barrel and squeezes a pressure bar to suck up ink. Hero pens, an inexpensive and very nice line from China, usually use this method, with high capacities and lots of words per milliliter.
There are no hard and fast rules about what kind of FP to start with. That said, I for one did start with cartridge pens and used only that style for many years. I still use cartridges for convenience in the workplace.
Not all liquid ink filling systems are lever-based. Many modern pens are designed to use either a cartridge or a converter (twist-up ink-filling system that some people find less intimidating than a lever fill). There are also sac pens that don't have levers--one unscrews the barrel and squeezes a pressure bar to suck up ink. Hero pens, an inexpensive and very nice line from China, usually use this method, with high capacities and lots of words per milliliter.
Many of the pens available in local antique shops are lever-fill and quite beautiful. I would like to buy a nice one for a decent price, but I worry about being able to clean it properly and care for it. Judging from what I've read, though, it shouldn't be a big deal. I guess I'm afraid of getting stuck with one that either doesn't clean up correctly or leaks ink everywhere.
I do like the idea of getting a converter for my existing Sheaffer and buying a bottle of whatever ink I want.
Thank you for the advice. I found the cartridges at Hobby Lobby and picked up what appears to be a calligrapher's fine point Sheaffer, so I have two working pens now and will do a lot of browsing before acquiring another one.
This old Sheaffer works great! I like it better than the new one I bought today.
Hi Bishop! Welcome.
Funny, I found out about DE shaving and the Shave My Face forum through this very FPN!
This is a great site with great folks who have a wealth of great knowledge to share.
May I offer another resource for info? www.richardspens.com
I'm not picky about using a cartridge, converter or the filling system that comes with the pen - just different ways to hold the ink and feed it to the nib. But that's me. You'll find those here are very against C/C (cartridge/converter) pens. Oh, well. To each his own.
Again, welcome! Come often and enjoy!!
Funny, I found out about DE shaving and the Shave My Face forum through this very FPN!
This is a great site with great folks who have a wealth of great knowledge to share.
May I offer another resource for info? www.richardspens.com
I'm not picky about using a cartridge, converter or the filling system that comes with the pen - just different ways to hold the ink and feed it to the nib. But that's me. You'll find those here are very against C/C (cartridge/converter) pens. Oh, well. To each his own.
Again, welcome! Come often and enjoy!!
Both richard binders's site and shave my face are great sites for their respective followers.
Yet another set of informative links can be found on this page from Mottishaw's webpage.
http://www.nibs.com/links.html
Yet another set of informative links can be found on this page from Mottishaw's webpage.
http://www.nibs.com/links.html
QUOTE (swarden43 @ Jul 17 2008, 09:41 AM)
Hi Bishop! Welcome.
Funny, I found out about DE shaving and the Shave My Face forum through this very FPN!
This is a great site with great folks who have a wealth of great knowledge to share.
May I offer another resource for info? www.richardspens.com
I'm not picky about using a cartridge, converter or the filling system that comes with the pen - just different ways to hold the ink and feed it to the nib. But that's me. You'll find those here are very against C/C (cartridge/converter) pens. Oh, well. To each his own.
Again, welcome! Come often and enjoy!!
Funny, I found out about DE shaving and the Shave My Face forum through this very FPN!
This is a great site with great folks who have a wealth of great knowledge to share.
May I offer another resource for info? www.richardspens.com
I'm not picky about using a cartridge, converter or the filling system that comes with the pen - just different ways to hold the ink and feed it to the nib. But that's me. You'll find those here are very against C/C (cartridge/converter) pens. Oh, well. To each his own.
Again, welcome! Come often and enjoy!!
Welcome to the asylum bishop. I grew up in Columbia but am now living across the river in Georgia. Of all my pens that I have aquired, I use my lever fills the most (never leave home without one or two or three). From colorful Esterbrooks or basic black Schaeffers, they are my favorite pens to carry and only require a little more work than my Pelikan piston fills. Your safest course would be to buy a restored lever fill from one of the many dealers either in the "sale forum" or from their website. It might cost a little more but you can have pen that you can use with confidence on a daily basis. Either way your in for a great experience. 
QUOTE (bishop @ Jul 16 2008, 06:52 PM)
During one of my regular antique store rounds for DE razors, I bought a Sheaffer NoNonsense cartridge FP. I've received some help from the gents on Badger & Blade and joined here at their suggestion. My name is Jonathan. I am an elementary school counselor in upstate South Carolina, 26, married for 3 years. BA in English, MEd in Counseling. Love DE razors, books, music, et cetera. I have two FP's - the one I just bought and another I bought several years ago, new. Both are cartridge pens.
One question I have right out of the chute, so to speak: for a casual FP user, is a cartridge pen a better deal? I have been intimidated by the old reservoir pens with the lever on the side...I imagine them leaking or not being able to clean them correctly.
One question I have right out of the chute, so to speak: for a casual FP user, is a cartridge pen a better deal? I have been intimidated by the old reservoir pens with the lever on the side...I imagine them leaking or not being able to clean them correctly.
Welcome to FPN, Bishop!!
Welcome aboard Jonathan from another Badger and Blade member, there are a couple of us here on FPN.
I had one of those Sheaffer cartridge pens as a kid and I learned how to write with in elementary school.
I had one of those Sheaffer cartridge pens as a kid and I learned how to write with in elementary school.
Cartridges are "okay". I have several cartridge pens but I use a converter in them because that's more fun when refilling and you can thereby add any ol' mixture of inks you like (which aren't available in a cartridge anyways).
Apart from all that, do get a good piston filler too like from Pelikan etc. That is the best type of filler for many of us.
Enyoy!
Mike
Apart from all that, do get a good piston filler too like from Pelikan etc. That is the best type of filler for many of us.
Enyoy!
Mike
Welcome to FPN.
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