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From a new buyer, Can you help me find a pen? So Christmas is coming. Kinda. And then my birthday. Some months later. And I am looking for something resistant to be carried around and (unfortunately) occasionally sometimes fall from the desk, light (I really like a light pen), with a small point (I like the size M I have been using) (are measures uniform around companies?) and the two most important aspects: cheap and rechargeable, instead of cartridges. To compare with what I have been using for the last 3 years: Mostly use the cheapest plastic Parker fountain pen available(Jotter fountain pen), slightly cracked on the side, https://www.parkerpen.com/collections/essential/jotter/jotter-fountain-pen/SAP_2030947.html, https://www.worten.pt/produtos/caneta-de-aparo-parker-jotter-originals-tinta-preta-azul-mrkean-3026980964306?gclid=CjwKCAjwgsqoBhBNEiwAwe5w0ynTjEQUsu4jkmZa4LxeM1uPHLGBfatO--PJsEYRWwFX7oCW14zMRxoCbMYQAvD_BwE. No complains, I like how light and small it is and the size of the point (size M). Although I'd rather if it was slightly longer, my fingers are big. Occasionally, I use a (I think it is) knockoff pen that someone gave me. Bigger point, always discompensating on the nib and not being usable with temperature and pressure differences (even slight ones). Thanks in advance for all the help!

I'm a long time fountain pen user but am now considering a,rollerball. Are there brands of rollerball refills that would give good rich black color and tend to be a smooth writer in Broad size? Thanks very much.

Hey everyone! Hope this post finds you well. So I was browsing for ink, and came across Nathan's newest ink. However, I have reservations about his inks considering the disaster I had with Bernanke Blue, I have sworn off Noodler's entirely. Should I give this ink a chance? Picture of the ink swatch, courtesy from the Goulet's: https://www.gouletpens.com/collections/ink-samples/products/noodlers-tokyo-gift-ink-sample?variant=16902535249963 Thanks everyone!

So I was surprised to win my first auction on ebay for a "Nice Vintage Parker? Super Smooth Gold Filled Nib Fountain Pen Black" (see picture). Does anyone know what model it might be? I think it will need some work but the price was so low, it should be a good test case for me to dabble. More importantly, Now that I have broken the ice and continue down the rabbit hole, what other brands and models of vintage pens should I look for that I can probably get for under $30. I see a number of Esterbrooks, Parkers, and Sheaffers (I already have Sheaffer school pens from the 70s and 90s, and a No Nonsense Pen). Are there any brands to avoid? Favorites that are likely to write well, or be repairable? I saw a really nice red Esterbrook go for $10 yesterday (Darn). Are there any vintage flex pens that are worth looking for? JAB

Hi Guys. I have been into fountain pens for a while now, but I hadn't bought any expensive pens until now. My collection mainly consisted of TWSBIs which I have been very happy with. I worked really hard this year for my 2nd-year exams, and I worked pretty hard over the summer in an internship so I decided I would reward myself with my first "expensive pen". I decided on the Pelikan M805 Stresemann for a couple of reasons. 1 - It looks brilliant. I really like the look of the grey stripes down the barrel. I haven't seen a pen that I like the look of so much. 2 - I had heard that Pelikan nibs are some of the best nibs around and write brilliantly out of the box. However, I opened up my new pen this morning and sadly I have never been so disappointed with a purchase. As I was opening the pen it was somewhat clear that I had been sent a pen that was previously a return. For example, the little plastic bag that the pen comes in was all screwed up. (I bought this pen from cultpens in the UK by the way). Now I'm wondering if someone else had a bad experience of this pen, sent it back, and now I've ended up with it. On the barrel, it appears that one of the grey stripes is missing. There appears to be a dark gap where it is missing. I have tried to get a picture of this but it is quite difficult to pick it up on camera! This is something that wouldn't bother me in the slightest on a much cheaper pen, but at £300 I'm not impressed by this. I decided to forget all this as the writing experience is the most important thing. So I inked up the pen with some Iroshizuku Ku-Jaku and began to write with it. The writing experience is extremely disappointing! It's almost as if I am writing with a different pen to that of the reviewers online. The nib is very dry, and not smooth at all. Also, it feels very stiff which I was surprised by as a lot of people say the Pelikan nibs have some spring to them. I grabbed my TWSBI Eco to compare the writing experience, and the eco is the clear winner. Smoother and wetter, at less than a tenth of the cost. A lot of people say that the Pelikan nibs are quite broad. For example, the medium M805 nib in the pen habits review looked more like a broad or even a double broad. So I decided I would go with a fine nib as opposed to the medium nib I usually go for. So I'm wondering, would you guys recommend returning the pen and swapping it for the same pen with a medium nib? Or do you think I would be better getting a refund and buying a different pen altogether? If you think there is a better alternative pen out there I would appreciate any recommendations - I'm looking for a pen with a really wet and smooth nib for the best writing experience possible. Around £300 or less.

Hello everyone, In 1995, I was in my second last year of elementary school (which is known as primary school) in Uganda (East Africa, for those who have no idea). That was the last time I used a fountain pen. At the time, perhaps due the colonial education system that my homeland inherited from Britain, some schools demanded that kids use fountain pens! A few had rich parents who could afford the real stuff, but the rest of us used Japanese knock-offs and Chinese pens. Their refilling systems were a rubber tube (sac) that you had to press several times upon dipping the pen in the ink bottle. Many were toothy and others ran like the river Nile. I hated them- didn’t understand why we had to use them. Schools authorities argued that they would help kids with bad handwriting to write better. I was one of those kids- to this day, most people, including my mother and wife, have a hard time reading my scribbling. Fast forward 23 years later (this summer), I found myself in Edmonton, and felt the urge to use fountain pens again. Still cannot tell why, but I know that for quite a long time, I’ve been particular with the kind of pens I use. I love writing by hand, and making handwritten notes of my readings. It turns out the feel of the pen on paper, and how the ink appears are important parts of how I prefer to experience writing. I also HATE (not a word I use lightly) ballpoint pens. The Pilot G2, 0.7 mm Gel Pen has been my go-to instrument for close to 8 years- I exclusively used it during graduate school right until August this year. I still love that pen, but there comes a time when a man/woman outgrows some things (I am looking at you, Honda Civic). Fountain pens to me, then, seem like a natural progression. So I went and got myself a Lamy Safari. Looking back, fountain pens, at least in the context that they were introduced to me, are not so far removed from my academic work and personal interest today. Though to be sure, only to the extent that they remind me of my colonial educational experience: I am currently occupied with anticolonial education, decolonisation, and the politics of knowledge production- studying colonialism and advocating for native/indigenous epistemologies and intellectual traditions in colonized spaces. Did I mention that come next year, I might need an upgrade? Just for special occasions. Suggestions are welcome. Budget: 140 USD— I am aware that this low in some circles, but I am O.K with it. While I appreciate good looks, I am more of a functional than an aesthetic user. Smooth writing, right out of the box is my main thing. Current pens: Lamy Safari (pink) TWSBI VAC700R Inks: Noodler's V-mail North African Violet (everyday writing) Pelikan Edelstein Jade (beautiful ink— when I want inspiration to write beautiful prose) Pilot iroshizuku tsutsuji (for my love of pink, in all its forms) Happy writing and collecting, Azania

I know that there are plenty of threads regarding some issues I'm having with my Estie Lever fill circa '40's (sac not expanding when filling though it's a new one, feed not running properly, etc..), but what I am posting for was some recommendations from you all for an F or EF preferably non-flex nib. I'm already aware that the #1550 (EF) or #1461 (F) can't get the hob done, but a less scratchy EF would be sweet. I've got. Zebra G Comic on it now, but would like to have the option of putting her into my daily carry rotation and I write small so usually carry F/EF. I'd prefer to have an entire unit for her (section, feed, nib). Also, is there a comparable silicone sac that I could fit her with as the silicone had a better fill property because of the former spring of the material over latex)? Andersen Pen for example has listed 14, 15, 17, and 18 1/2 sized silicone sacs, but no 16's... does someone have 16's for an Estie JS? Or can I put a 15 silicone sac on an Estie? I'm sorry if these seem like silly questions. So suggestions for either the nib/unit, silicone sac, and/or sellers would be greatly appreciated and I thank this entire community that helps each other out with rare animosity displayed in the public area. Thank you for your indulgence and I do hope this discussion might be beneficial to many more than just my needs.. I'll edit this with pictures this afternoon because she really is a beauty. S\F, -B

Hello everyone, I hope you are having a pleasant day, this is my first post so it's possible that what I'll ask may seem puerile and possibly amounting to faux pas, please pardon my ignorance if any of that happens. Who I am ? I am student from India, who has a very important exam coming up in 6 months. I own 2 lamy safari's and 2 pilot metropolitan's. Why am I here ? Where I live and where I grew up we barely have anyone who uses fountain pens. I started with them not as a show of elegance but because I had a tendency to right softly and ball point pens require certain pressure which made me uncomfortable. So for me it's necessity, I cannot write with anything else. What do I want? Im looking for buying a new fountain pen. I'm not rich by any account but I saved enough money over my the years to afford a pen upto price of lamy 2000. The only consideration for me is that it should be able to write for a really long sessions and I guess that necessitates certain degree of smoothness. My question to you respected readers !! What would be the one pen you would buy if you were in my position that being you can afford only one pen upto price of lamy 2000 and you have to write with it maybe the whole day and looks don't matter at all maybe the feels does to a certain degree, but just one pen which you could buy, for the most important exam of your lives ? ( please note that ink capacity is not to trump over writing experience in this scenario, just the writability is the first and foremost concern rest are secondary and I like lamy safari's they do the job but I feel I could do better) (Also kindly note I'm not pressing for lamy 2000 but it's the only pen whose price I know in the ocean of other availabilities, so it's price is for reference) I'm not sure if any of you will find time to answer this, but I thank all of you in anticipation. Regards,

Hello, lovely penfriends! It’s been many years since I’ve posted here, and it transpires that since I’ve been away, I’ve become an adult! I have a real job (special education teacher) and a real wife (she’s amazing – A+++, quick response, would marry again) who is at present indulgent if not actively encouraging of my interest in writing instruments. What all this amounts to is that, since I first sank into this hobby as an undergrad and obsessed over it as a penniless M.A. student, for the first time in my life I’ve been able to save enough guilt-free, doesn’t-need-to-be-spent-on-other-things money to consider a really high-end, comparatively expensive pen. I’m now in a position to buy one of my grails. So, of course, indecision sets in. I’d be terribly grateful for some guidance. If you’re inclined, here’s the obnoxiously obsessive information about my preferences I can give you for context. I want a keep-at-home pen, which I’m happy to pamper as long as it’s not too fragile to use. Form must not compromise function.(To that end) I want a comfortable writer for looooong sessions at my desk. Metal sections and narrow sections are immediate deal-breakers for me. (I wrote my thesis longhand with my beloved Cross Townsend, and nearly lost my index fingernail because of my death-grip. I’d enjoy something girthier.)Given that my price range is higher, I’d really like to use this opportunity to get a big, (ideally) two-toned gold nib with pretty scrolling. Part of what inspires me to write is the hypnotic glint of the writing instrument.Similarly, I’d want to use this opportunity to try a larger pen with a construction material not normally available on less expensive pens; I know that plastics are tremendously varied, but even when I had a chance to hold a Montblanc 149, it wasn’t making my heart sing the way my lacquered metal pens have done. Briarwood or urushi-lacquered ebonite have been drawing most of my attention as I’ve been searching.For my hands, I’ve found that the Cross Townsend unposted is a great length and weight. I’m happy to go longer, but I’d prefer not to post unless the pen is specifically built for it. (My metal Pilot Falcon is too short for me unposted, and I don’t want to mar the lacquer by posting it.)I don’t mind bounce, but I would like a hard(er), medium-fine nib. Wet, with feedback, would be particularly nice.I'd prefer not to spend more than $1000 if I can possibly help it.Given all this, and after a lot of time spent reading and watching reviews, I have some candidates I’d like to run by anyone who’s still reading. Visconti Homo Sapiens Maxi Bronze (EF) – This has been my grail pen since it first came out, waaay back before I could imagine being able to afford it. The size of the pen, the nib, and the unusual material were big draws, but over time, my enthusiasm has been ablated by reported issues with quality control, the hyper-wetness of the nib, the ink soaking into the section, and the inability to check the reservoir. The EF nib would be to deal mitigate the reported Dreamtouch™ firehose. Pilot Custom 845 (M) – This pen seems large enough to use unposted, wide enough to hold comfortably, and the nib is enormous and lovely compared with what I’m used to (Cross Townsend, Sheaffer Prelude, and Pilot Falcon being my chief reference points). The aesthetics of the body are almost perfect for me (I’d consider the Sailor ProGear series if they were larger and non-resin). This would be my first ebonite and urushi pen, too, so my only hesitation here is that the section is still resin: I’ve only ever used resin sections, and I have nothing against them, but part of me wonders, if I’m spending the money, should I not spring for a pen that’s urushi “all the way down?” If you have experience with a lacquered grip section and have insight into the difference it makes beyond visual aesthetic, I’d love to know. This pen is otherwise likely the one I’d go for. Sailor King of Pen Briarwood (M) – Huge, beautiful nib, beefy section, and I absolutely love the look of briarwood. The expense breaks my ceiling, though, so it’d be a pen that I’d continue to save for over the next year, if this was the decision. My other hesitations include the cigar-shape, which I’m not crazy about, and my sense that it would be on the shorter side if unposted. Nakaya Desk Pens (M) – I’ve been looking at these because of their length and ebonite/urushi build (I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say a bad word about Nakaya, either). My hesitation here is that I don’t know how large the nib would be compared with the other options, and the section is the same width as my Cross Townsend… If anyone has experience with long writing sessions using desk pens, I’d love to hear about it. These reasons are also why I hesitate around Nakaya’s Briarwood collection, since the light gloss on briarwood is probably my ideal body material, at least visually. Aurora Optima (F) – Auroras were always priced out of my range and seemed too flashy for me, regardless. I’ve been considering Optimas now because the toothy nibs intrigue me (and they seem large), the intricacy of the piston, ink window, and general fit and finish together seem amazing, and the depth of the auroloide helps me get over hesitation around “plastic.” I appreciate that this would be a pen I’d need to post for it to be usable in my hands, though it seems made for that? Apologies in absentia to those who got tired of reading this along the way, and thanks very much to those of you who stayed, even if you don’t have any advice. I know this is also a weird market bracket to ask for help with: I get the sense that people who can afford high-end pens often collect several of them and may be impatient with my caution and baby steps, while those who can’t (like me, a few years ago) often look on with envy and detachment. If you have the patience and interest to follow me on this journey, I’ll let you know how it goes, and again, thank you so, so much for your time.

A couple months ago I purchased a Pelikan M1005 demonstrator with a Medium nib, which has been a "grail" pen for me for quite a while. While it flowed like Niagara Falls at first, liberally spilling the stunning Akkerman Shocking Blue all over my Rhodia notebook's pages, somehow after removing the nib several times I must have pinched too hard or something because I completely lost ink flow. After fiddling for a while I could get it to flow while writing with the pen at a 90 degree angle. But nothing while writing normally. I've been frustrated with myself about this, but after scouring the forums here and elsewhere, in trying several different approaches with growing frustration I somehow accidentally bent the nib pretty badly (close to the point, where the nib touches the paper). I (finally!) decided I didn't want to do any more damage (not that much more could be done) so I tried briefly to straighten it, which worked a little bit, and then just left it alone. All that to get to my question: I know there are lots of great pen repair people, but I'm wondered if anyone can make a recommendation on someone who specializes in straightening bent nibs? I also need to get the ink flowing again, but I'm first concerned about not doing more damage to the nib and getting it straightened. I'm just wondering who I should send this to for the best results as I really want to use this pen for many years to come and would like to find the best person possible to fix it. Thank you in advance for any input! -Dan

My samples of Purple inks are coming in, but let's proceed on to my goal to collect the rainbow. So how about blues? I don't like blues with hints of purple. I need something like a royal blue. I will be using Claifontaine tablets. I may use an italic nib/medium, so shading is a bonus. Thanks!!! -Franky

I'm toying with the idea of trying some calligraphy. I already have italic pens, so I was wondering about purchasing a dip pen and nibs set. Can anyone recommend a good set with a variety of nibs, especially the type for scripts such as roundhand, which also includes a reservoir so that I don't have to dip every couple of letters? This is by no means a pressing issue, as I said, I'm merely toying with this idea. Thanks.

I split my time between Toronto and Washington DC and am looking for pen shop recommendations. I have purchased off ebay, amazon and Laywine's in Toronto but would like to broaden my perspective. Missed the DC pen show but think that may have been the place to look - thoughts?

I've recently been looking for some nice shading purples and green inks. I would like them to shade in a fine nib, but if the colour is gorgeous enough, I would definitely consider getting an ink that would shade in say a medium or broad nib or a flex pen. I think that this would be the best place to go for some recommendations. Some requirements: 1. It must be well behaved. Excessive feathering is a no. 2. It must not stain white pens and should be easy to clean out. 3. If purple, I'm looking for something around the range of Waterman Purple or Scabiosa, nothing too blue. 4. If green, I'm not very picky but I would rather not go for R&K Alt Goldgrun. That colour doesn't appeal to me. 5. I may change my mind on the above if I can get some colour accurate pictures (not scans). I've only seen scans and ink swabs of the aforementioned inks. If I think of anything else, I'll edit it onto the original post and put it as a comment. When edited on to the original post, it will be marked with an asterisk.

Hi everyone! This summer as I was decluttering my grandparents' home I found an old pen - looks like it might be a frankenpen. It makes a perfect repair guinea pig for me, because the barrel is pretty enough to act as incentive, yet the pen has no sentimental value (and apparently no monetary value either) so if I mess up there's no tears or gnashing of teeth The only sticking point now is getting the supplies. I would much prefer an inclusive kit rather than collecting everything over time, because every time I've approached a new activity that way, I have invariably ended up overspending and getting more stuff than I really need because of how everyone seems to have their own favorites that they swear by and I can't sort out the absolute necessities from the personal favorites. I've found that going with a starter kit cuts through that. The other problem is price, particularly shipping. I'm in Greece, so it can add up! The ideal kit for me is inclusive, but not overwhelming, and should cost under $100 including s&h. And if it only includes tools and multiple use supplies (eg talc, polish) but no parts (like sacs), then it should be a lot less than $100 since I'd have to buy those things extra So far I have found exactly one place (the first kit probably, the second includes 'Da Book' which is probably a bit more information than I could absorb this early on). If you have experience with them, I would love to hear from you. But if you use somebody else, please let me know! I am just sort of feeling my way around right now so I'll happily take recommendations Thanks in advance!!

I'm looking for a light blue. Something that is not turquoise or at least doesn't have a green shade to it, but blue. Something like baby blue or sky blue, or just like blue. Any recommendations?

I realise that this topic has probably been covered before but a quick search didn't reveal what I am looking for. I would be grateful if members could recommend a sturdy pen pouch which is not leather or very expensive and which can hold about 20 fountain pens. I dislike leather and am trying to save money in order to spend it on my new house (which needs work!). I'm sure others reach the point where there pens present a storage problem. I'm about at that point, hence the desire for a good, but not expensive, case. I don't want a wrap as I know that the pens will get broken in something soft. Thanks.

Hey guys, I'm new to Inky Thoughts but I figure this is the place to go for ink recommendations. I have been using Diamine Sherwood Green for a while, and I love it, but I'm getting kind of bored. Green ink has become something of a signature of mine, and and I really want to stick with it, but I need something new. For context, I write with a XF vanishing point, and I typically use good paper, so while feathering is a concern, as long as it wouldn't make the line significantly thicker, it's not a huge issue. I'm looking for medium to dark greens (has to be appropriate for school essays, letters, etc), and in multiple brands. I've only tried Waterman black and Diamine Sherwood before, but I want to branch out. That's why I'm here! So what are some of your favorite green inks? Anyone know of some particularly nice emeralds, swamp greens, or dark greens? Or some of your favorite inks in general that you think are worth a try. Thank you, as always, Rumbleroar

Hey guys! So I'm looking for a second pen, I'm a newbie, I know. I'm looking for a nicer pen (I have a Lamy Safari XF now), and I want one with a bit of heft, a good FINE nib, and a nice sleek design. It can't be that flashy, I'm going to bring it with me back to college, but a nice pen between 100-150 would be great. Below 100 would be ideal, but I'm willing to pay more. The only requirement I have, and this is why I need all of your help, is that the nib has to write REALLY finely. I know those can be a tad scratchy, but I just need a really fine nib. Finer than a Lamy XF, if that helps. My handwriting just cannot take even medium nibs and still be legible, so please help guys! Thank you!

I very much like the color of Noodlers Blue (non-eel). It is a rich blue ONLY color to my eyes, not purple, turquoise, green, etc. I am wanting to replace it with a non Noodlers ink as it has gummed up the sac of my Estie J, a Parker 51 Aero, and is a genuine pain to get out of my piston fillers. I have tried Diamine Asa Blue which is a nice color but not as dark and leans a bit toward turquoise. I am quickly becoming a fan of Diamine inks though. Yes, I know I can get ink samples but I don't want to go that way without narrowing the field down some. So any help would be much appreciated.