Another Newbie...

[InkedGeek]

...from the pacific northwest. Figured I should join, since I keep running across the forum in researching what to start with/comparing inks, etc.

And I'm so new that I don't, as of yet, have a fountain pen, although I've wanted one for a while. Looks like I'll have to order one online--other than Cross, the only FP I've seen locally that's not for calligraphy is a Sheaffer VFM.

I'm planning to get a Pilot Metropolitan (plus the con-50 converter) and a Platinum Preppy (only an extra few $, might as well, right?), and some ink samples. Maybe more than I 'need' to start--the metro does come with a converter, after all, and since the ink syringe I have has been missing for a while, I'll need one of those--but I do expect to like fountain pens in general, due to preferring pens with more liquidy ink and pens that don't need as much pressure. One of my hands should like writing with the pens, I figure, right?

Via some searching, it looks like using the same pen(s) with both hands shouldn't be a problem? I'll mostly be writing with my left hand, I figure (as I'd like to go back to writing fiction for 'fun'...and actually writing, rather than typing, which isn't the same), but I'll probably still use my right hand for quick notes if it's something I won't need to read months in the future. Suffice it to say I was forced to write right-handed in school, and that didn't go over well for the long term. Writing now results in pain with my right hand, especially if I go slow enough to get it legible.

I'm an underwriter when writing left-handed, so sounds like I shouldn't need to make too many considerations (ie, don't really need fast-drying ink), although I'd like my left-handed writing to look 'nicer' at some point. It's legible, but it's not 'smooth' (and however much or little writing I do, it doesn't seem to change much...), and I'm not sure if that's me or some other factor(s). Should I ask in the handwriting sub-forum, or wait? I'd show writing samples to see if I could get ideas on what to do (just practice/slow down, start over, get better paper, try different sized nib, etc.), but, again, don't yet have a fountain pen yet, and at least with my left hand, the pen I use *does* seem to change my handwriting a little, so I suppose I should wait on that?

Anyway, just saying hello from a likely future lurker. I usually don't post much in forums because of not getting thoughts/questions across well, but never know!

[ThomasB]

Hello and welcome from Baton Rouge, Louisiana...Enjoy your time here

[PAKMAN]

Hello and Welcome to FPN!! Glad to have you as a member!!

[OCArt]

Hello back from Pacific southwest. The metropolitan is a nice pen. look here too:

 

The Best Fountain Pen For Beginners http://www.fountainp...rs#entry3495674

Best Inexpensive Chinese Pens http://www.fountainp...e-chinese-pens/

[notVirtuThe3rd]

Hi! Welcome to FPN.

I'm really glad you've joined us.

Enjoy!

Best wishes from Japan,

VirtuThe3rd

[Wahl]

[northstar]

Hello and welcome to FPN.

[svalcourt]

Welcome to FPN!

[Sasha Royale]

Welcome !

 

Just for transferring inks, a small syringe can be had at a pharmacy. (Wear short sleeves, so

they can see your arms are free of needle tracks.) The larger syringes can be ordered from

various fountain pen folks.

 

Wrtie with joy.

[InkedGeek]

Thank you, everyone, for the welcome!

 

Sasha Royale - I went ahead and got a syringe with my pen/ink sample order, although I'll have to remember that if I want some more/smaller ones, I guess!

 

And off to, I guess, see about what to do about my writing...