This Is My First Time - Treat Me Gently

[Achitophel]

Hello from one from Downunder, via the U of K, many, many years ago.

Fountain pennery isn't the most popular of subjects in Australia, well what can one expect from a country where the Quen's English is called 'Strine' as in "Emma Chiset" (How much is it.) Genuine Strine is quite rare though, and usually only heard at surf and bowling clubs. But it has made handwriting something of an unknown art - not a lost art - completely unknown, amongst a vast swathe of the population who stare at a fountain pen as if it's some weird container for illicit drugs or whatever.

I'm not sure what suddenly drew me to them again, maybe finding the mangled wreck of my old Parker 61 or trying to locate a refill for a Schaefer. I've had to order a couple from overseas on eBay - not one single source appeared in this country.

That, in turn, led me to increasingly lengthy surfing sessions and it wasn't long before I came across this group.

I've decided to acquire a Parker 51, the first 'proper' pen I ever used just to enjoy a trip down memory lane. taking a huge gulp, I'm also bent on owning a Montblanc, a name that I first came across in a John Le Carre novel. I was reminded of it years later when I actually visited the mountain itself.

However, before this happens I've been sidetracked by the interest displayed by my many in the oft-derided Chinese makes on eBay - to which I've been drawn. The comments of many members here have been fascinating, especially when followed up on eBay sites.

I've decided that buying a few might be a good idea before letting myself loose on a vintage Parker, let alone a Montblanc AND a few might be a suitable way of introducing my grandson (if not my son) to an art form which sadly he missed out on during his education.

So here's one immediate question from the newest member.

Several Chinese makes, highly regarded by members of this group, appear on eBay, but from different sources and at wildly different prices (although still cheap compared with the traditional brands.

My question is - should prudence dictate choosing the higher priced examples or are the apparent bargain basement offers really bargains - or lemons? I've been looking at brands like Wing Sung, Jinhao, Duke, Hero, the usual suspects in fact. I'm completely at a loss to know which site to buy from and wonder whether this group possesses a 'good guys' list?

It will be fascinating to find out. Now I'm off to re-read the superb history of Parker 51s. As proof positive of my knowledge base, until a week or so ago, I thought there was only one Parker 511 The learning curve has commenced!

[jar]

Welcome home. Pull up a stump and set a spell.

 

The 1941 "51" that was an engagement present from dad to mom.

http://www.fototime.com/88BDC37701598D8/medium800.jpg

[pitonyak]

Welcome and greetings from Columbus, Ohio, USA.

 

No idea who to buy from where you live, but, (1) if you can find a local store, I cannot, that is a great idea. (2) I understand that the two most recommended first time pens are the Pilot Metropolitan and the Lamy Safari. I have both and like them both.

[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!!

[DasKaltblut]

"Fountain pennery" - will soon turn into "Fountain penury"!

 

I buy a lot of cheap Chinese pens on Ebay, and have had very good luck. In most cases, the Jinhaos, Heros and Wings Sungs can just be purchased from the person offering the lowest price. I haven't been burned yet, and even if I was, most of the time I would be out less than $20. Here are four sellers I've had very good luck with. The first is particularly loved around here. You may have to change to the US Ebay to see all of their inventory, but many ship to AU.

 

http://stores.ebay.com/officesuppliespen/

/http://stores.ebay.com/06595pyf73dnd/

http://stores.ebay.com/heropenscollection/

http://stores.ebay.com/jpzh11/

 

A few of my favorites are any PenBBS pens, the Wing Sung 698 and 618 and the Jinhao 450, 750 and 159 (this one is huge, be warned!)

Edited March 7, 2018 by DasKaltblut

[omarcenaro]

Welcome! You will find lots of great information here and many suggestions to expand your collection.

On ebay lowest price is as good as the highest for Chinese pens. Just make sure it comes with all the things you want. I saw one that was priced less then another seller but it did not come with a box. On ebay I purchased a Wing Sung 698 Piston Filler Demonstrator that I received on Saturday.

Also try aliexpress.com I just ordered from them a Pilot 78G Demonstrator, Broad Italic nib. Waiting to arrive to compliment my Green Pilot 78G Double Broad Italic nib.

Cheers,
Ozzy

Edited March 7, 2018 by omarcenaro

[Carrau]

Welcome aboard, from Charleston, SC. As you are a newbie, you might look at the Reference Pages on a website called Richard's Pens: it has a wealth of info about the basics of fountain pens, their use and care, and it will help you avoid making some mistakes. A couple of other websites with useful information for newbies include PenChalet, Jetpens and the Goulet Pen Company. Goulet has made quite a few videos available on their website and on YouTube, which are helpful with some procedures related to FP use. There is a series of posts here, called A Newbies Guide to Inks, which is worth reviewing (you’ll find it as the first pinned topic under the Inky Thoughts Subforum). Bear in mind that how your writing appears on the page is a complex interplay of pen, paper, nib, ink, and handwriting, so be patient as you experiment with these variables. Enjoy, and good luck.

Mike

[Bisquitlips]

Welcome! Glad you are with us!

[northstar]

Hello and welcome to FPN.

[Henricum_Tropen]

Hello and welcome to FPN, from Cape Town, South Africa.

[Chrissy]

Hello and welcome to FPN.

[mitto]

Greetings and welcome to FPN.

[Sasha Royale]

(a very gentle) Welcome !

Is your old Sheaffer cartridge pen one with the substantial, shiny, steel punch ? If so, you can use the widely-available International standard cartridge. Here is what I do - -

 

I insert a push pin or thumb tack into the flat end. Then, I enlarge the hole, so that it fits tightly on the punch. Be careful not to squeeze the cartridge. The cartridge can be removed and filled with ink from a bottle, using a syringe. After several removals, the seal may become loose. Replace.

 

For several years, I have done this with my Sheaffer school pens, and NoNonsens pens.

[Wahl]

[mallymal1]

God to meet you.

 

[Achitophel]

A belated thank you for the kind welcome and for the kind expressions of welcome. Much food for thought and even more for further research there. Thank you Herrjaeger for your suggestions. The learning curve has already started and is proving to be full of interest!