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Today, March 14 or 3-14 is Pi-Day. Because I got it in my mind I had to get a Pelikan Classic in Cognac last night, I finally decided yes, I’ll buy it today. Thus I’m calling it my Pi-Day pen. I’m also going to make a pumpkin pie because I have the ingredients, and it’s an easy pie for me to make. Is anyone else inspired to make purchases or pie today?

I have enjoyed the heck out of the Parker thread. And since I have a couple of nice Sheaffers scheduled to arrive as soon as Monday, I thought I would start this topic up. So, what Sheaffers have you added to the fold of late? Modern, vintage, rare, easy-to-find. All are welcome in this general discussion thread. Bring photos when you can!

It's a hot, sunny Sunday here in Auckland, New Zealand. The palms are rustling in the garden and the paddling pool is set up on the deck. It sure feels like we're in for a long summer. I've only just gone back to work after my longest holiday in four years - a full three weeks! - and escapism has already been tempting my mind away again. Hence, two new pens recently arrived after days of enjoyable reading, watching reviews, considering comparisons, weighing options, and finally hunting for the perfect specimen at the right price. That process, and my thorough enjoyment of it, made me realise just what a wonderful resource the Fountain Pen Network is. I've been a member for only a few months, and before that made casual use of the forums and reviews which popped up in Google searches. Now, I feel it's time to repay the use I've made of the knowledge compiled here by adding to it, if I can do so helpfully and modestly. I am hardly any kind of expert. The opposite in fact! I have always loved to write, but I'm not sure I had even touched a fountain pen up until a year ago. As a student, either at the start of the year or around exam time, I would go through a buzz of stationery purchases, in eagerness or desperation. The right coloured notebook or pen can set you up for a perfect semester... or prop up a feverish, last-ditch attempt to cram - right? But I never connected this fondness for smooth writers and cheerful bindings with fountain pens. I had always found fountain pens to be beautiful, but they were an object of prestige and mystique, something a bit niche or for the initiated. Like cigars and champagne; a thing I saw in movies, not in real life. Fast forward a few years to the middle of 2019 when I have a steady job (and income) and a partner who uses his grandfather's fountain pen at work. I get to see one up close. Boom. My interest began to grow, and I've had a challenge reining it in since. Now I have six pens. Some are European, some are Japanese. All are from different makers. They are of varying nib widths. Four are vintage and two were bought new. They are all of reasonably high quality and from known brands (thanks mainly to knowledge gleaned from this very site), except one which was a case of mistaken identity and a good lesson in caution when buying pens online. I have been thinking that I would love to do a post about my small collection so far, but given the diversity of it, does anyone have any pointers on where it should go? I was thinking of doing each pen with photos and writing samples. Not quite full reviews, but with commentary on how I find them to use for sure. I tend to go for good examples from good makers, and have a thing for unusual and beautiful design, materials or nibs. My pens are: - Lamy 2000, new (I'm sure plenty has been said already about this pen!) - Sailor Pro Gear, new (again, plenty said I'm sure) - Pilot Custom, vintage, maple. An unusual model from I assume the 1980s, with the inset nib found on some other pilot pens but not on the Custom anymore. It's design is also different to the current pilot design, more slender. It is also made of solid maple. It's a really interesting and beautiful pen, and I was only able to find one or two other references to this particular version online. - Sheaffer Targa, vintage, sterling silver. Not an uncommon pen, but it was my first and it remains my favourite. It has a fluted design that is beautiful to look at and hold. - Montblanc No. 32, vintage, presumed 1960s. This is the variant with the partially hooded nib, giving a wing-like shape which I find particularly beautiful. It's a fantastic writer, and I love its more minimal, sleek design compared to their top shelf pens and the more modern Montblancs. - Aurora Marco Polo, supposedly vintage. This was my mistake pen. When I was starting out, I saw this advertised as an Aurora Hastil on Etsy, and my research into the Hastil made me incredibly interested to own one. So I bought it, and later, after more research and comparing images, realised that it is NOT a Hastil. I feel like a real fool about this, even though the seller refunded half my money when I pointed out the mistake. If the pen were nice to use, this would have restored it to a place of honour in my eyes, but... well let me know if you'd like a proper post about my pens! If I do write a post about my collection, where should it go? Would it be better split up into individual posts about each pen? Let me know what you think. Thanks for having me! Doug

Hello everyone, I went to the DC Pen show last weekend, and fell in love with a pen that I didn't know anything about. I've attached a few pictures to show the pen opened and closed with a full sized pen case and lined notebook paper for scale. (Sorry for the bad quality pics -- I had trouble getting them small enough to post!) This little acrylic Laban pocket pen caught my eye immediately, and even after walking through the whole show, I just kept going back to it. I have a weakness for pocket pens, and this one isn't too thin and feels very comfortable in my hand. It twists to post, so makes a sturdy full sized pen to write with. And it writes beautifully! It has a German fine steel nib that is smooth and consistent without being a gusher, so perfect for work, when I sometimes have to use less than ideal paper. I was a bit worried about the metal grip section, but because of the angle, my fingers don't slip on it. Also, despite the small size, it fits a normal sized converter. I have a few friends who enjoy their Laban pens, so even though I hadn't researched the company or pens much, I took the plunge and bought it. But I can't figure out the model name of the pen, since there's not a lot online about Laban. It's not a Expression, which is the only Laban pocket pen I see reviews for. Does anyone know the model name for this beautiful little pocket pen? I'd really love to be able to name my new favorite every day carry pen! Thanks!

Hi all, This is my first post - it's so great to finally make an account after lurking for so long! I bought my third beginner fountain pen recently, a clear TWSBI Eco-T, which I have been lusting after for a long time, and finally arrived yesterday! I've already used one ink fill, and was screwing the barrel down to the refill it, and now it won't screw back up. the piston is at the bottom of the pen, near the nib, however there is no gap at the top of the pen where you should insert the wrench to unscrew the top. When I turn the top one way, it tried to press the piston further down into the pen (and it can't move any farther) and when I twist it the other way, it simply tightens the end cap! I've tried taking out the nib and using a thin crochet hook to push the piston up from the nib end of the pen, but it isn't moving and I don't want to force it. Attached is a picture of the pen body, nib attached but cap off. Any advice would be helpful, I'm new to piston pens and don't want to damage it! Thank you for your time! Eva.

We're giving away four sets of our forthcoming Starliner and Galaxie pens, part of our new Reaktor Line of Writing Instruments. We're on pace to give away 1,000 pens this year to anyone and everyone that participates in our monthly giveaways or our larger giveaways like this one. This giveaway is just the latest part of our 10 Year Anniversary and how we plan on celebrating it. If you want the details on our Reaktor Line of Writing Instruments, you can check out our YouTube playlist that covers all four of the pens we'll be releasing this summer. In the description of those videos you can look at some review links from Figboot on Pens, Gourmet Pens, and some other pen reviewers. If you want to skip straight to the giveaway, check out This Video for all of the details.

Hi all. I've received great advice from everyone here before - super helpful and friendly site in general. So thanks for that, and I'm going to try to put together some reviews of something that may be helpful to others but in the meantime, I'm looking to get a new pen. Used mostly for drawing/sketching. I currently have: -Lamy Safari Al Star - M - really like it but don't love the grip when I flip the pen over, which I like to do to get line variation etc.. Lamy Joy 1.9 - love the balance unposted but same issue as safari grip. -Pilot Metropolitan- F - love it, love how smooth and thin the lines are - this is prompting me to get the platinum desk pen for like $15 - I think I'll like that and is pretty cheap - I'm going to put it in the same order as the yet unknown pen I'm asking advice about. -Hero 9018 Fude pen - super cool and love the thick lines - caused me to purchase the... -Sailor Fude de Mannen - green one - Really like it but it seems to have a smaller sweet spot than my Hero, which is very forgiving of the angle used. And both of them flipped upside down are nice and fine. Highly recommend a fude nib to anyone drawing who hasn't tried them. Cheap and awesome. TWSBI Diamond 580 AL - Broad Nib - My favorite pen to date. Just love how smooth the nib is, it puts down a lot of ink and the piston filler is awesome. I can't decide weather to get another thick, broad nib like my TWSBI so I can have two colours loaded at once. Or another medium or fine - But what I'm asking about more is which pen to put that nib in. I'm open to suggestions, but this is what I've been thinking : -Second 580 because I love the one I have. -TWSBI eco -because it's cheaper than the 580. Although in some images it seems to me, the broad nib is not as broad as the 580 but still could be ok for me I think. -A Pilot ? . I really like my pilot metropolitan because I was so surprised how smooth it was for how fine it is so I had thought of splurging a bit and for about $30 more than the TWSBI 580 I have seen a Pilot Custom 74 or Heritage 91 on amazon.ca from japanese vendors for $95-$110. This seems really tempting to me but the potential issue of dealing with random online vendors is a bit concerning and I'm spending a bunch of money - top of my pen budget - for a pen that I don't know if I'll really like. Any thoughts ? Are those gold nibed Pilots that much different and worth spending that much on ? I don't care about the weight, or the fact that it's gold, or prestige, or looks that much. Though I kinda want it to look cool I guess lol. - had considered a faber castell Loom but it seems nothing really special about it for the $. But a lot of people seem to recommend them so I dunno. I can't really try any of these pens out where I live without driving for hours so that's really the issue and why I'm asking. Thanks.

Hey all, I'm still somewhat new to the world of fountain pens but I've been using them daily for the last year. First one was a Medium Lamy safari that I still use the most today and I love everything about it in terms of wetness and thickness. Also have a medium Pilot metropolitan that I think is a little thin in the thickness of line for my taste, and finally I got an Ensso Piuma as well recently in Aluminum and medium nib. Writes more similarly to the lamy with a little more tooth and less wetness which I don't mind either. Anyway I'm looking for one step up for a nice pen, preferably under or around $120. Gold nib would be nice but I'm just looking for something that is even more fun to write with. I think something a little more flexible in the nib to allow for variation in thickness would be cool but I'm not sure what that would be. I was looking at the Pelikan M200 and Platinum Century so far, uncertain if one of those would be good, wet, flexible pens or enjoyable anyway. Was leaning towards the platinum for being cheaper but came here for insight on these two or other suggestions entirely. Using various noodlers inks. Thanks

Hi there! After more than one year of intense usage (mainly for drawing) of my Lamy Safari(s) I am thinking about buying a "next-level" fountain pen. In terms of performance do you think it is worth spending money on a better one (gold nib, better construction, etc.)? Is there significant difference between a budget and an expensive pen? (My budget is not that fixed, I can be persuaded - but let's say $150 is the ceiling.) What I've observed with my Safari is that 1) the feed sometimes does not give enough ink when drawing really fast sketches (maybe it is just the ink? used only Lamy and Diamine so far) and 2) I have a slight guess that there must be better performing nibs as well. My requirements of the new pen: - great feed and nib; - reliable workhorse pen - still remains a good pen after 10 years; - reverse writing - at least as good as the Safari; - classic look, the less plastic feeling the better. So far I've these pens in my mind: - Platinum 3776 PTB-5000B - Platinum 3776 PTB-10000B / PNB10000 - Pilot Namiki Falcon (maybe a too big jump?) (- Faber-Castell Loom) Maybe I should try lots of different inks (just ordered Sailor jentle) before boastfully believing I am ready to "leave behind" Safari? Thanks a lot for all the answers in advance! Kind regards, Kristof

Hi , guys this is Dr.soumya Mukherjee , I had been reading this forum for quite a few days now .. I have always liked fountain pens but never really took seriously . But in the last six months I have grown fond of fountain pens .. As a new user I would like to know with which pens I start my writing .. My budget is initially 500 as I am starting to check the waters .. I have camlin inks and I ordered 5 colored inks from KRISHNA INKS which sells via eBay .. I mainly use branded flair ,montex and camlin mini pens as for now .. But I would like to get some suggestions about my first good pen and ink for some better experience.. I am from Kolkata and work in Medical college so very near to college street .. Some good shops for suggestion would be welcomed as well .. Thank you all in advance for the help ..

I finally got 2 pens I've been waiting for. Nothing fancy, just a 2025 Aihao and a blue see through Jinhao 599. I purchased a cartridge in each and outlet them alone for a few hours to give it time to ink. 12 hours later and nothing. What could be the problem and how can I fix it?

Hello everyone! I just purchased a Pilot Vanishing Point from a local pen store, and naturally I want an ink to match. Any ideas? The pen: http://cdn-tp1.mozu.com/6639-8588/cms/8588/files/ff8a8740-e169-43dd-96a9-0e81680d8b31 http://d15bv9e9f3al6i.cloudfront.net/imgs/products/cp/950_constW/PL09965-ZZZ~Pilot-Capless-Fountain-Pen-Blue-Rhodium-Trim_P1.jpg

Hi Everyone, I'm thinking about purchasing a Nakaya pen, but before making the investment I was wondering if anyone familiar with the brand could help me out with any thoughts or advice they might have. Currently, I am partial to the cigar shape pen but am unsure as to the appropriate size and thickness. Specifically, does anyone have any thoughts on major differences between the long cigar and the short cigar? And thoughts between the 15mm or the 17 mm portable cigar? As for length, I don't see myself carrying around such a nice pen in the day to day and would like to use a larger pen at my office at home. That said I would like something that still travels reasonably well and more importantly works for notation and comments in the margins of documents. As for diameter, If I were to opt for the portable cigar would the 17mm barrel be too thick for the shorter length? I don't have very large hands but would like something that writes comfortably for a longer period of time. I like the idea of a thicker, 17mm, pen that I could grip and write for long periods, but am worried it may be too much pen. As a point of reference, the current fountain pen I use is a 'pocket' Retro Yard-o-Led with a medium nib. It's an attractive pen and I love the way the nib feels as it writes, but I find it uncomfortable to use for anything more than jotting down very quick little notes. I write with a medium to light medium pressure. I understand that choosing the type of pen is a subjective decision, but any thoughts, advice or insight is much appreciated! Thanks.

It's time for a new pen! I'm looking for a pen in ~$200 price range. I'm quite fascinated by the Pelikan Souveran line, Pilot Custom Heritage Line, Omas pens, and the Sailor PG/1911 line, but I'm not sure as to what pen would be the best. However, I'm certainly not limiting myself to just these brands; I'm open to any new ideas too. I'm looking for a nib that, while not labeled as semiflex, will give a little. A nice, springy nib. If any of you have experience with pens in this range, any advice would be greatly Thanks, CJ

This is my first real new pen since embarking on this little journey, so I thought I'd do a little review of my new Bexley Admiral. The little details: Capped length is 5.00" (that's what I call precise) Posted length is 5.36" Jowo fine nib Loaded with Sheaffer black Brief review: Since my only real experience, and that's limited, is with the vintage pens I've come across, I hope Bexley doesn't mind a few comparisons. It may be that some of what was done in the past made its way to this pen, and I'm pretty fond of it. The pen cap has some similarities to what Parker did on the Duofold - clip ring that can be replaced fairly easily if damaged or aged. I love the ball end on the clip, as well, making it an easier slide into my pocket. The basic overall look of the pen reminded me of the Sheaffer Balance Jr - full size cap, with a smaller barrel. You'll note how little difference there is in the capped and posted length. The barrel fits snugly and precisely deep into the cap. As with any new pen, as I've been reading, I did a quick flush and clean of the pen to sort of prime it up for use. After a few minutes of getting it started, the pen started to come alive. It's a very comfortable, smooth pen. It fits nicely in my hand, and the fact that it's not overly long means that it's not top heavy. You'll need to be careful where you position the cap and clip, because they sit right on your thumb, otherwise. I prefer a smaller barrel, and matched with the full size cap, this pen has the best of both features when using it. After a few minutes, and a couple taps on some micro-paper, the Admiral opened up and was smooth and fluid across paper. This was an impulse buy for me, and it was well worth it. I've always wanted to try a Bexley, and I'm now happy to own one. The added bonus was a quick tour of his facility.

My current pens!: So, I was given a fountain pen as a gift some years ago. I finally decided to try using it. I don’t know what brand the pen is, but here is a picture: Pen Nib It is very beautiful, has a great weight and balance, and I think it is fairly wet—it puts ink down thicker and thinner giving the writing a nice marbled texture (although that means it can bleed through printer paper part way). It has a ball on the nib, which makes it great for moving in any direction on a piece of paper (like for signatures), but doesn’t make my handwriting instantly beautiful like the italic nibs—which I was very pleased to discover italic nibs did. Here is my handwriting using that pen with Antietam ink: (Sorry it is rotated. The server seems to rotate it sideways no matter what I do.) Handwriting 1 Before I could use the pen, I had to replace the converter, which wouldn’t draw up water or ink. For some reason, it seems that there is not a good seal on the plungerhead, so no suction was created. I went out to Michaels (because there are no fountain pen stores where I am) and bought two Manuscript Calligraphy pens (italic nibs in: fine, medium, broad, double broad. I like medium the best, but may be moving to fine when I get new ink in the mail). I cannibalized one pen for its piston converter, and used a cartridge in it. Here are my Manuscript pens: Pens Nib Side Nib These make my handwriting look amazing! However, because I don’t use them frequently enough, they dry up a bit: sometimes they don’t start writing right away. And I have to write slower, because the pen won’t ink the stroke moving in just any direction (I have to pull the fountain pen always with a component normal to the blade—no easily moving then pen up the page). These pens write very evenly—never put down a gob of ink (so no marbled texture like on my wet pen)—does this mean it is dry? Here is what my handwriting looks like using these pens (currently identical, but the cartridge in one is out of ink): (Sorry it is rotated. The server seems to rotate it sideways no matter what I do.) Handwriting 2 I am wondering what the third pen I purchase should be. I would spend $50, but $35 is really more palatable. I think I want the nib to be italic because I like how using the Manuscript pens forms my handwriting. I would like the pen to be somewhere between my current pens in wetness—wetter than the Manuscript and drier than the Montenegro pen. I would like it to start easier than and be less resistant to pushing in arbitrary directions than the Manuscript pens—if that is possible—while still making my handwriting look awesome. I would like a nice weight; I like thick pens; I would like a clear case if I can find it. I’ve heard non-steel tips are better: don’t know what to make of that. Attribute importance: 0) < $50, $35 or so perhaps as a minimum, with happiness-with-the-cost decreasing exponentially from there to $50. I would spend $50, though. 1) The thing I want most is for my handwriting to keep looking calligraphic like it does with the Manuscript pens… but the Montenegro pen is way more awesome in every other respect: 2) Better flow and writing experience than the Manuscript pens (medium wet? …?) 3) More stylish and balanced like the Montenegro pen. I am definitely pleased that I have been able to try two very disparate types of pens! Again, I haven’t found a shop in Reno with fountain pens I can try… The last one seems to have closed up before I ever visited it. Does anyone have suggestions for me?

So a while back a fountain pen fell into my hands and it worked fantastically as far as I was concerned as having never used a fountain pen. Unfortunately one day I dropped it and the tip of the nib broke off. I have decided to scrap the idea of buying a new nib. I have a parker sonnet 10 or 7 (can't tell the difference), it cost around 100 dollars, and a replacement nib costs around $114-140. Bottom line, what is a good fountain pen to replace the sonnet? 4 requirements: Smooth and wet writing Sleek and simple body around $90-$150 Flex Oblique or stub nib

What are your thoughts on the 78g as a student pen? If you know me, I've pen searching for a new pen for the next academic year, which includes looking at Lamy's and Pilot's. So how does the 78g do?

Hi to everyone. Please let me introduce you the new fountainpen.it pen: Aleph! Made in cooperation with Marlen, the Aleph has been inspired with the help of the forum's discussions. The pen has a cool looking springy nib and a classic body shape, making it a traditional-modern pen. This is a short test of the nib. Enjoy!

I am considering my first Pelikan. Can I get an opinion on the "Pelikan Souveran M605 Series - Special Edition Marine Blue". Should I get a 600, or better a 400 or 800? Also what Nib size. I am leaning towards a F or M. I have TWISBI M( I like it a lot, but a little wet), Lamy Vista F(I like it), and just bought a Lamy 2000 F(Hate it, as it's to course of a writer. I am returning It). I would appreciate some guidance. Thanks.

Dear Levenger The new True Writer Select looks nice and there are good color options. However, I'm not going to buy it until I can order it with the nib width of my choice. I am not going to buy the pen and then a separate nib! Give us the option to order the pen with and nib you offer (including the stub) or I'll spend my money elsewhere. http://www.levenger.com/Pens---Refills-8/Fountain-Pens-831/True-Writer-Select-Fountain-Pen-13091.aspx

Hey there! So just to jump right in, I currently own a dip pen with a range of nibs, going from extremely fine to very broad, and although I wouldn't consider myself a rookie when it comes to the actual handling of them, I'm still very new when it comes to the differences in various pens and the anatomy's of such. For example: I just noticed on a few of my nibs that I bought as a set (Brand: Leonardt -Round- England. Sizes: 0, 1 1/2, 2 1/2, 3 1/2, and 5) that there is a flat piece on the bottom that can slide on and off. I don't know the name or the use of it, and have many similar questions regarding dip pens. I would be extremely grateful to anyone who would take the time to answer some of them. Thanks so much! -Jess

Time to win against the bad guys....or at least fight a faker. Picture yourself in a department store, fine writing shop, collectibles show, or swap meet. Someone hands you a fountain pen and tells you it is brand new. Under the brilliant halogen lights, the pen shimmers like a glossy new car. But something starts to bother you. A little voice starts to nag you, "Is this pen REALLY new?" Okay, put on your detective's hat. What are the telltale signs that a pen has been used? • Ink residue anywhere -- OK, that's pretty basic • Scratches visible on the body or cap -- I can spot those • A nib with uneven tips -- I might need a magnifier for this What else have your experiences taught you to look for? Step up and strike a blow against FP fakery.

Hey guys! So after much consideration and saving up, I finally bit the bullet yesterday and got my first expensive pen- the Pilot Vanishing Point with an xf nib. I picked it up from my local B&M store, and they were great, really helpful. I love it, and I was just wondering if anyone has any stories or tidbits of advice for a first "nice" pen (my other pen, really my first, is a Lamy safari xf). So, tips? Stories? Horror stories, perhaps? Thanks! -Rumbleroar

Hey, just wanted to let everyone know that we now have the new limited edition Lamy Al-Star Black in stock at Goulet Pens. Matte black with black clip.... gotta get a black nib to match. While I'm posting, I should probably mention that we've got a lot of other great new products and specials going on right now. Just a few highlights of some recent happenings: We received some Noodler's Ebonite Konrad Flex Pens. We still have good quantities of two colors available right now.We have the new Monteverde Intima fountain pen. Four bright, bold colors with the swappable Monteverde #6 nib.We developed our own line of pen tuning/smoothing tools (loupe, micro-mesh, mylar paper, and brass sheets). We also have our own Goulet Pen Flush!Tons of great deals are still available in our Goulet Outlét - check out the Closeouts and Sale Items pages to see what's happening.Feel free to contact us with any questions!