Dear FPN Members and Guests:

First, I want to extend a warm hello and thank you all for having me.

I decided to start writing by hand again, which I have not done much at all for about 15 years. I began viewing pens online a few or so weeks ago, and have become somewhat of an addict already. Furthermore, I find myself in this 'position' even though for all intents and purposes I have never even used a fine writing instrument.

Thus, I have just embarked on a wild goose chase to find a pen suited for me, who:

1. Writes left-handed, and quite sloppy at that;

2. Uses only bold blue ink;

3. Smears said ink all over the side of his hand as well as the paper while writing;

4. Desires to write for long periods of time;

5. Has a little above average-sized hands that hurt from 'arthritis like' symptoms and tremble a bit; and thus

6. Needs a most comfortable pen.

Aside from these few 'minor' requirements, I am not terribly discriminating, except I am partial to traditional but simple understated styles with clean lines, and solid colors or materials. I think a fountain pen is out for any use but a signature (at least for now anyway). I like the bold refills from Fisher as they seem to write quite smooth, but I have not been exposed to much of anything else; thus the reason I defer to the experts at times like this.

Tasks such as these (finding a suitable pen) are more tedious than any others I undertake in my life. It may be best if I quit while I am so far behind that I feel like I am ahead. I am certain I shall find out real soon. Has one ever been kicked out of this forum (on the first day no less) for making absurd requests such as this? If not, then maybe I shall set a record.

Thank you all in advance for your kind assistance. It is most appreciated. I apologize for being an embarrassment to the art, instruments and implements of fine writing, but if I knew what the h#ll I was doing, I would not be here in the first place!!! God Bless You All.

Yours Truly,

Kenneth F. "Kenny" Conrad, III
Attorney at Law
General Counsel
FEDERAL ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

Welcome to FPN. You can find an encyclopedia of information and advice with a little searching on the Fountain Pen Network--along with a friendly camaraderie. Don't count out fountain pens for writing too quickly. Left handed fountain pen writers enjoy their pens just like their right handed counterparts. Fountain pens open up a whole new world of writing--enjoy it.

I second that motion--all those in agreement signify by the raising of the emoticon's left thumb...........

BTW,Welcome to FPN!

John

Thank you very much for the advice. I have so much work to do, but I cannot stop viewing pens online. I cannot remember the last time I used a fountain pen, but I am game for anything. I just need to navigate the forum and educate myself as I do not know anything about fountain pens. I am certain I shall dispel my pre-conceived notions regarding fountain pens such as I will crush the nib with just a bit of pressure, I will make a complete mess and I will not be able to write anything but a paragraph or two in one sitting.

Hi and welcome too!

Your not having used FPs for a long time and then wantig to come back makes you about the 10,000th here so have fun, Get one single starter workhorse (for starters) and then discover what's next.

Mike

Hi Ken,

welcome to FPN from a visitor to Miami (next November again).
I joined FPN a few weeks ago after having picked up the FP bug in the last few months.
There's lots of information to be had here for the enthusiast. I find myself spending quite a lot of time on FPN I could also spend writing......

Regards,

Rob

Welcome to FPN!


There is no such thing as an absurd fountain pen request.

And some of your requirements/problems sound similar to mine (except for the hand size, and yes, I'm on a blue ink kick now, but I need to match my ink to the pen color).

If you don't mind a pen without a clip, the Pelikano Jr. writes like a dream and holds the large ink cartridges. They're very lightweight. AND inexpensive!

For a somewhat heavier but not too heavy pen, try the Waterman Phileas. The Phileas even comes in a nice set with bottled ink and carts, and it's also inexpensive and a good smooth comfortable writer.

Welcome to the group!

Mark

Welcome to the FPN!!

Hello and welcome to FPN

Hey Kenny -

Welcome.

Understanding your idiosyncratic needs is a big step toward finding the perfect pen. That rational deductive legal mind is on full display.

Most writers with a little arthritis or with a small tremor find that a lightweight pen with larger girth is most comfortable. The larger girth allows your grip to relax without crowding your fingers on the pen's section.

The Montblanc 149 Diplomat is in this category. Two reviews from respected FPN members:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=31411
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=46506

I'm not left handed, though other vocal FPN posters are lefties, and may offer ink advice. The key for left handed writers, as I understand it, is a fast drying ink. I believe there are still inks on the market that will dry more quickly than your writing hand will advance.

Again, welcome.

Welcome to FPN!

Welcome and best wishes in your quest.

Hello and welcome aboard the FPN, from the "Water-Winter Wonderland" of Michigan. I recommend a Pelikan M600 or M800 size pens.

I also have touch of arthritis and I find a broad barrel is better for me than, say, a hooded nib. I am also a lefthander, under the line style, and I would agree that a quick drying ink would be fine for you. Welcome. I hope you find the first of many near perfect pens.

Just hooked, erm, addicted, erm, introduced a left handed friend to fountain pens. Look for inks labeled "quick dry"
Depending on your price point, look at:
Waterman Phileas
Waterman Carene
Marlens
Krones
Viscontis
Deltas
the 149 mentioned above
I need fat pens as well and these makes and/or brands will accommodate you.