As a young person I did some calligraphy with dip pens, and I've owned some disposable fountain pens, but didn't really enjoy using them for writing--only drawing was fun and successful. A few years ago, in an attempt to do something about my son's abysmal handwriting, he and I took up italics. A few days ago, while trying to find any pen that would write smoothly, and look presentable, I decided that it was time to break down and buy a proper fountain pen.


Supplies are slim in brick and mortar stores (at least in my price range ), but I did find a Waterman Phileas, which I promptly purchased. I am quite pleased with it, and have already been shopping for a vintage fountain pen. I think from my past experience, I will prefer a fine nib--that was my preferred drawing tool in the past.


Anyway, I'm glad I found your site--I'm looking forward to absorbing your knowledge about my new obsession!

Hi Shell,

Welcome aboard the FPN! Before you know it, you'll have over 100 fountain pens, and dozens of ink bottles. However, this is a great hobby to enjoy, but your checkbook might not agree.

Hi there and congrats!
A Phil is always a good pen for a starter.
If you happen to remain in the Waterman realm, then think about a Charleston, too.
And lots of inks!!

Mike

Ronnie--100 sounds lovely--but I think I'll have to be a bit more restrained than that! I did order an Esterbrook vintage pen....

Mike--I'll keep that Charleston in mind.

Welcome Shell.

Welcome!

That's a very nice story about you and your son taking up writing together. I've heard about parents going the route of getting special permission to let their kids use computers in the classroom, to take tests, etc. Maybe that's necessary sometimes, but better if possible to work on the handwriting directly and in a way that's enjoyable.

Also don't listen to the collectors--it's possible to own less than 20 pens, like me. Give or take.

Hello and welcome!

Welcome to FPN!

Thanks for the welcome everyone!

ralphwilson: I think good handwriting is a must, and I'm sorry as a culture we've kind of abandoned it. I've always had good handwriting myself (at least until grad school--it went downhill then!). For note taking I kind of developed my own version of italics, and it was fast, relatively attractive, and more or less legible. It has been nice to fine tune it to make it more attractive though. My son was taught roundhand ("cursive") at school, which I was against--I wanted him to learn italics right away. His handwriting got worse every year. It's better after a few years of italics (he's now 13), but we still have work to do. I hope that the fountain pens help--he's already practicing his signature and working on flourishes!

Yes, I think 20 pens or fewer is more my speed--at least if my pocketbook has any say.

Welcome from a fellow San Diegan.

Enjoy your time here with us. There aren't any good retail pen shops in town, so do your pen shopping on line or plan a visit to the LA Pen Show in February.

If I can be of assistance locally (or if you want to see about 150 fountain pens) just let me know.

Andy

Welcome to FPN from a former San Diegan! Spent 30 years there, before moving here to north Texas. I did not pursue fountain pens when I lived in San Diego, as I had such a busy life there was no time for them.

There are several San Diego residents on the board here; I notice Andy has already welcomed you, and he is a great guy. Never met him in person, but from his online posts, I would be stunned and amazed if he is not a wonderful, warm and friendly guy in person.

You might try some of the antique shops in La Mesa for vintage fountain pens, as they have all kinds of goodies there. There are also some shops in the Gasllamp area and Hillcrest which might yield some vintage celluloid or ebonite treasures.

Donnie

welcome, shell. my daughter lives in san diego and i'll be visiting her next week--see you around the antique shops

Yes, I learned this recently! The LA pen show sounds fascinating, and wow 150 fountain pens--I'm impressed.

I love antique shops/junk stores, we have several where I live (I'm in north county), but I've never looked for fountain pens. Maybe that's a job for this week? I'll keep an eye out for you too penmanila!

It isn't that impressive, only about 50-60 are in writing condition and a goodly number are third-tier pens. Nevertheless, it was fun to accumulate them. There is a FP group that meets on a Saturday morning each month somewhere in the southern section of San Diego. I've never participated because I'm in synagogue on Saturday morning but I've heard it is a congenial gathering. There are probably some thread references here on FPN you can find by searching.

I've hung out with a couple of other San Diego FPN members, dished dirt, played with pens, and ate. "Onion", one of our Moderators, has some very handsome pens and is a talented Blues musician to boot! Each year there are a couple of young students from UCSD who are into FPs and I've met some of them and had pen chat.

I had one very lucky antique shop experience in Tijuana when I found a bunch of Esterbrook J model pens. Old and dusty, but in great shape after a new sac and a cleanup. Was about 10 Pesos each so that was the deal of a lifetime! I haven't been that lucky since.

Andy

PS: Don't believe half of what DonWinn says about me. He is far too generous with his praise.

Everyone's taught roundhand now, I don't know why, it's not very efficient. I think a lot of handwriting instruction centers on "as long as you can produce the letters" with no thought for efficiency for long papers. And this was even before computers took off so they had no excuse then.

Oh and hi! I love San Diego. There's some beautiful weather down there.