I've been posting a bit recently on various forums here and thought I should introduce myself. I live in Charlottesville, VA -- home of Thomas Jefferson and U.Va. -- and have only been collecting pens for about 2.5 years. So far I've collected about 20 pens, of which 15 so far are keepers and perhaps 5 are on their way out. My favorites so far have been Wahl's, especially the Skyliners, but recently I've discovered the joys of vintage Sheaffers.

I only own four modern pens, one of which is the inexpensive, Kreuzer school pen that is the basis of my interest. As a kid, we lived in Germany briefly, and as many of you probably know, in school there FP use is mandatory for everything, even math. I got quite used to using an FP then, but found them impractical when I returned to school here. I briefly tried using one again, but bought a cheap Pelikan school pen that was a dud and gave up til recently, when for some reason I decided I wanted to try again. Did some research, bought a Sonnet (another dud) and a couple vintage pens, and discovered the Skyliner. That Skyliner is still my mainstay.

I've bought most of my pens on Ebay, and had pretty good luck, with only a copule duds. Of course, if you buy pens cheap planning on $25 or so to get them restored, it's hard to go wrong as long as there are no fundamental problems.

And I must say, my handwriting has improved markedly along the way! My wife, however, thinks I'm nuts, but I stick to cheap pens, so it's not a problem.

I also like to collect vintage Seiko watches. Their divers can be expensive and prone to fakes, but their vintage dress watches are often amazingly cheap. They appeal to me because they have been responsible for so many innovations and are one of the few watchmakers that have consistently remained vertically integrated.

I guess the common thread between FP's and watches is that they are both old-fashioned technology that I can use and enjoy over and over during the course of a day, day after day. Today I'm wearing a 40-year old Seiko Skyliner and using a 60-year old Sheaffer Balance Jr., red-veined grey marble.

I've really enjoyed these forums and learned a lot in the few weeks since I've stumbled on them.

--Kevin

Welcome!

Best advice I can give on the Mrs. thinking you are nuts is to give her a few pens with varied ink and see how she takes to it. My wife has become interested, joined FPN, and no longer grinches when I buy inexpensive pens as long as I share them.

I have also given 4 to my 16 year old son and now his 10th grade buddies think he is "unique." Most unusual thing is that he doesn't mind!

Andy

Welcome and enjoy while your horizons expand here, as mine have. Charlottesville is a beautiful area, especially in springtime.

Hello and welcome! We've all been there with the Ebay steals, deals, and duds - nature of the game, so you're in with much company. Glad you're here and hope to see you around.

Welcome!

In a world were handwriting may be increasingly in jeopardy as a utilitarian tool, what less we do can now be a more thorough personal expression!

Hi and welcome aboard

Welcome to the board!

Hi,

Welcome!!

Dillon