What a wonderful group! Your boards have inspired me to take up my calligraphy pen again...I dug out my NoNonsense Sheaffer calligraphy pens and my place vendome fountain to start improving my handwriting. You see, my other hobby is cooking, but I'm to good for my own good so I decided to get a hobby that didn't involve eating!

I even went and bought some speedball dip pen nibs to see which type of pen I like more. By the way, I like myParker Vendome, but the tip is a little thick. I also have two 80s or 90s vintage ligthweight Scheaffer pens with silver caps and plastic bodies. Any suggestions for a nice (cheap) beginner pen? I looked through the Review section but got a little overwhelmed.

Thanks for the wonderful site and great tips! I"ll be posting on the Creative Expressions section of the board. Next item on the list: clean out those old pen nibs!!

Welcome to FPN.

Hi there and welcome from another kitchen. I spend 1/2 of my time cooking and the other 1/2 here at my desk (with or without a FP in my hand). Try out a Pelikan M215. That's a great starter workhorse.

Mike

Welcome to FPN!

As you can see, we all have our favorites, but the Sheaffer NNs are great pens!

Depends on your definition of cheap---Pelikano Jrs. are $15 and under, really comfortable and write like a dream, but they lack a clip, if that's a problem.

Rotring's ArtPen is about that price and another sturdy, comfortable writer.

Or you could try the Waterman Phileas. A little heavier, a little more expensive, but not by much, and you can find them in gift sets with bottled ink, carts, and a booklet!

Welcome to the FPN!!

Thanks everyone! What great suggestions.

Overwhelmed by the amt. of info, but I"m learning! Made ratatouille instead of practicing writing today, had too many fresh veggies to use up! I did clean out my nibs, I"ll have to check the pen tip care boards, I don't want to wreck any of them.

Welcome to FPN!

Hello and welcome to FPN

Welcome from a quasi-Hoosier! University time and my first seven years of teaching in Valparaiso.

Welcome to FPN!

Welcome to FPN!!

AuntBabe- welcome from Wolverine-land!!!!

Hello and welcome aboard the FPN, from the "Water-Winter Wonderland" of Michigan.

Hello from a former resident!

Good cheap beginner pens depends on what 'cheap' is to you - it tends to go up if you spend much time here!

The free eyedropper pen that comes with a large bottle of Noodler's ink.
I prefer the full size Pelikano to the Pelikano Jr. Mine was $12, but $18 is more normal.
Pilot Varsity disposable pens.
Parker Vector

Thanks, all!

I really like the Pilot Varsity pens, and I picked up a disposable Itoya Blade at the college bookstore nearby...smooth writer, but the flow can be intermittent, especially when I first start writing.

I have an esterbrook ebay purchase on the way, so I"ll be haunting the Forums even more now.

Next step...starting a handwriting log so I can track my progress. Wish me luck!!