A Pen For Me...

[VanMan]

Hi my name is Zac and I am new to the world of pens. Lots of great information here! I have wanted a nice pen for a 6 months and on and off been searching, reading reviews, and seeing pens. There are so many choices and so many ups and downs to each it is hard to find the one for me. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Some of my criteria for this pen:

 

-Preferably rollerball, but would consider something hybrid using the Schmidt 9000 or something similar (I like the quick dry ink of the Jetstream as well as how smooth it is, with the G-2 being up their as well)

-Preferably a clicky

-I like gun metal and especially carbon fiber, but would be open to other styles. I like designs that make it look unique from others as opposed to a solid color.

-Prefer .7mm but would go as large as 1mm

-Prefer light to medium weight

-Prefer some scratch resistance/finish durability

-I would like middle thickness similar to that of the Jetstream RT clicky, which is what I use now

 

 

I've taken a liking to the Caran D'Ache Varius Carbon 3000, Ceramic, Ivanhoe, and Chinablack.... but especially the Carbon 3000 (see pic below). I did not want to spend that kind of money but I am not opposed to it either. However, I would want to read up about if it is worth it from people here who know a lot more than me...especially because the D'Aches seem to get only okay reviews and ratings and a lot of time you get small 'insider' brands that only enthusiast know of which are much better than the mainstream and are usually priced less. I also like some of the Parker IM styles although I imagine they are pretty poor quality now that they are no longer made the same. I am open to any brand and will consider any price. Thanks! Your advice is greatly appreciated!

 

 

Like this but as a rollerball ideally.

http://www.bertramsinkwell.com/images/P/4490_017-S-R-01.jpg

[OcalaFlGuy]

Welcome to FPN

 

The Sheaffer looks right up your alley.

 

http://www.penherostore.com/servlet/the-1376/Sheaffer-Intensity-Carbon-Fiber/Detail

http://www.goldspot.com/prodView.cfm?partno=MV40061

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL

[andybiotic]

Lamy Swift, I am going to get one myself. The near perfect capless rollerball that retracts even the stupid clip that I hate the most with any pen!

[Bo Bo Olson]

Pelikan 200 as a starter pen. If you got a few bucks, then start with the 400. It's a real small tad better. Sort of a candy apple red, vs red.

It is not 'worth' the extra because one could buy a gold nib with the 200.

 

These are standard sized pens, like the vintage Esterbrook DJ. Do go to to the Esterbrook sub section. You need a Estie. They come in some grand colors. "48-60 sturdy as a tank. Lever action. They have doubled in price over the last couple of years because everyone needs a couple. Now @ $30+.

 

Yep, need a P-51 too. That is a medium large pen, came out in 1941 with a few changes ran to 1970's.

 

There is the medium large (light)600 series by Pelikan.. they have two out now, Green O'Green and Blue O'Blue Some of the City series are real pretty too. The regular ones are fine too.

 

Now you need not buy all pens new, there is a used pen section here where you can get good deals....yes a bit higher than gambling on Ebay...but here you get what they say it is.

 

I collect old used pens....'Vintage'. I like the nibs, many of the design patterns and the neat filling guts.

 

Do take your time....It is much better to buy a nice €30-50 pen once a month than be in the Cheap Pen of the Week in the Mail Club.

 

 

Have you been to Richard Binder's site? It is the basics of fountain pens; nibs, filling systems, good advice about inks and lots of pretty pictures.

 

 

You should really plan a visit to a pen shop to put them in your hand.

 

 

You need to learn how to hold a fountain pen properly. Go to "Tripod" in search. There is the Classic Tripod and the Forefinger up methods.

You do not hold a fountain pen like a ball point.

 

I favor vintage in the nibs are sharper ground, thinner, more flexible than the stiffer fat blobbier modern nibs designed for folks that hold their fountain pens like ball points.

 

I think vintage is for later.

 

Chase the nibs.

You need B, M, F and EF in regular flex. It makes a difference in how the ink shows up on paper.

 

Using MB toffee a shading brown with regular flex nibs.

Fine was light with dark trails.

Medium was 50-50 . Breaking the anti-M prejudice I'd picked up on this com.

Broad was dark with light trails.

 

By the way, I have no idea what .60, .8 or 1.0 mean. I think EF, F, M and B. I never used gel pens.

There is no norm, in fountain pen nibs in each company has it's own standards.

The only 'norm' and in Japan they too are not running norm, is the Japanese, run a size thinner than western, and Italian Aurora is a thin western nib; that you can still order semi-flex nib from.

It has a model 88 that is very well liked.

I need one.

 

Writing is 1/3 nib width and flex, 1/3 paper and 1/3 ink, in that order.

[Nonsensical]

Pelikan 200 as a starter pen. If you got a few bucks, then start with the 400. It's a real small tad better. Sort of a candy apple red, vs red.

It is not 'worth' the extra because one could buy a gold nib with the 200.

 

These are standard sized pens, like the vintage Esterbrook DJ. Do go to to the Esterbrook sub section. You need a Estie. They come in some grand colors. "48-60 sturdy as a tank. Lever action. They have doubled in price over the last couple of years because everyone needs a couple. Now @ $30+.

 

Yep, need a P-51 too. That is a medium large pen, came out in 1941 with a few changes ran to 1970's.

 

There is the medium large (light)600 series by Pelikan.. they have two out now, Green O'Green and Blue O'Blue Some of the City series are real pretty too. The regular ones are fine too.

 

Now you need not buy all pens new, there is a used pen section here where you can get good deals....yes a bit higher than gambling on Ebay...but here you get what they say it is.

 

I collect old used pens....'Vintage'. I like the nibs, many of the design patterns and the neat filling guts.

 

Do take your time....It is much better to buy a nice €30-50 pen once a month than be in the Cheap Pen of the Week in the Mail Club.

 

 

Have you been to Richard Binder's site? It is the basics of fountain pens; nibs, filling systems, good advice about inks and lots of pretty pictures.

 

 

You should really plan a visit to a pen shop to put them in your hand.

 

 

You need to learn how to hold a fountain pen properly. Go to "Tripod" in search. There is the Classic Tripod and the Forefinger up methods.

You do not hold a fountain pen like a ball point.

 

I favor vintage in the nibs are sharper ground, thinner, more flexible than the stiffer fat blobbier modern nibs designed for folks that hold their fountain pens like ball points.

 

I think vintage is for later.

 

Chase the nibs.

You need B, M, F and EF in regular flex. It makes a difference in how the ink shows up on paper.

 

Using MB toffee a shading brown with regular flex nibs.

Fine was light with dark trails.

Medium was 50-50 . Breaking the anti-M prejudice I'd picked up on this com.

Broad was dark with light trails.

 

By the way, I have no idea what .60, .8 or 1.0 mean. I think EF, F, M and B. I never used gel pens.

There is no norm, in fountain pen nibs in each company has it's own standards.

The only 'norm' and in Japan they too are not running norm, is the Japanese, run a size thinner than western, and Italian Aurora is a thin western nib; that you can still order semi-flex nib from.

It has a model 88 that is very well liked.

I need one.

 

Writing is 1/3 nib width and flex, 1/3 paper and 1/3 ink, in that order.

Very informative...however, isn't he looking for a rollerball?

Pity the Pilot VPs don't come in a rollerball form, only ballpoint...The carbonesque VP is quite the looker.

Edited November 4, 2011 by Nonsensical

[andybiotic]

Very informative...however, isn't he looking for a rollerball?

Pity the Pilot VPs don't come in a rollerball form, only ballpoint...The carbonesque VP is quite the looker.

 

That is why I recommend the Lamy swift. Basically a vp in rollerball form. It has a push button mechanism and even the annoying clip retracts into the body when the tip is out. It uses a capless rollerball refill and is said to be able to stay "Wet" for a year without use. I tested it and it is smooth~~ writes a fine-ish line.... Damn, I hope I am not converted to a rollerball for the everyday regular scribble...

 

The reason I research for it is because it has a all matted black version and I am in search for a All Black pen!

[olivier78860]

S.T. Dupont Défi Carbon Fiber:

 

http://www.penworld.eu/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/d/e/defi_carbon_rol_500.jpg

http://morastylos.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/u/dup35.jpg

Edited November 4, 2011 by olivier78860

[andybiotic]

S.T. Dupont Défi Carbon Fiber:

 

http://www.penworld.eu/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/d/e/defi_carbon_rol_500.jpg

http://morastylos.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/u/dup35.jpg

 

Goodness... That is one expensive yet beautiful pen!

 

and I thought the swift was already quite expensive for a rb!

[Nonsensical]

Goodness... That is one expensive yet beautiful pen!

 

and I thought the swift was already quite expensive for a rb!

Aha! Yet we're willing to spend a fortune on a fountain pen . No wonder some people think we're crazy!

[Bo Bo Olson]

"""I have wanted a nice pen for a 6 months and on and off been searching, reading reviews, and seeing pens. There are so many choices and so many ups and downs to each it is hard to find the one for me. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Some of my criteria for this pen:

 

Six months reading about Roller Balls??????????

 

 

 

 

There is advice to give on Roller balls?

Have they changed in the last 25 years since I last had one?

 

Yes, they sure cost a lot more than the original Parker.

 

 

My advice is buy cheap, so you don't need to worry when you lose it.

[andybiotic]

Have they changed in the last 25 years since I last had one?

 

Hey, a capless rollerball refill is certainly an advance in my book!

[olivier78860]

*subliminal message starts*

Talking ahout Parker rollers, I still have a beautiful Premier roller in black matte metal for sale in the classifieds

*subliminal message ends*

[Bo Bo Olson]

Have they changed in the last 25 years since I last had one?

 

Hey, a capless rollerball refill is certainly an advance in my book!

 

Wonderful, a ball point roller ball. An a push button fountain pen too. The world really rushes along.

 

I do remember how much easier a roller ball wrote and how easy it smeared.

Some how I re-learned not to set cold drinks on non-BP writing.

 

Wow, I got a Vintage Roller ball...

 

Well, it's some sort of nail.

Edited November 4, 2011 by Bo Bo Olson

[andybiotic]

Wonderful, a ball point roller ball. An a push button fountain pen too. The world really rushes along.

 

Wow, I got a Vintage Roller ball...

 

Well, it's some sort of nail.

 

I know you chase for flexible nibs Bo bo so I don't blame you for not interested in rollerballs.

 

As you may remember, I love flex nibs too, especially superflexes and wet noodles, but there are just times for me when a flexible nib or even a regular fountain pen is too inconvenient to used. The better alternative in such situation is a rollerball. A clicker rb, I think, is getting the some of the best features from both fp and bp. It write just as smoothly as most fps I have, it requires no pressure to write just like a fp and it has the benefit of a bp in that I don't have to worry about taking off the cap and posting it. I've encountered situations where I need to use a pen QUICK and even twisting off and post the cap seemed like forever and yet that is all I had on me. That is one of the reasons why the pilot vp was and is still so popular. Of course you don't and nib variation or colour choices but in note taking, fast scribbling situtaions, those features are not particular necessary.

 

No, I am not trying to convert you! Nothing beats the writing experience of a fp/dip nib, I know. But you can't overlook some of the down sides it have as well.

 

I have been thinking about the vp for quite some time now but never really got over the damn clip that IS in the way (for me)... so a clicking rb with the clip disappearing when you write is both practical and comfortable to me.

 

Of course, for other times, especially on my desk, I still reach for my superflexes or dip pens.

 

 

I do remember how much easier a roller ball wrote and how easy it smeared.

Some how I re-learned not to set cold drinks on non-BP writing.

 

Don't fps inks smear easier than rb inks in general? :hmm1:

Edited November 5, 2011 by andybiotic

[Bo Bo Olson]

I don't know what modern roller ball inks are like. I don't know a thing about gel pens either.

But first generation roller ball ink, and my clumsiness, would have had me searching for a permanent ink, had such an idea as permanent ink other than for marking the back of cloths entered my mind.

 

A lot of ignorant through processes from back before the net dominated.

Fountain pen ink smeared when wet...was a given.

[VanMan]

Lot's of great info here! Thanks everyone for the replies. I have a lot of research to do it seems. The Dupont is a beautiful pen also...

 

Oddly enough, a friend got me an entry level pen (I still plan to buy something a little fancier) and it seems to be pretty nice for what it is...

http://www.amazon.com/Yafa-ORIGINAL-Rollerball-Titanium-81293/dp/B003KGBBKY

The Schmidt Cap-Less ink is really nice except my only complain is it bleeds through the paper I use on my Filofax. Any thoughts on this? Is this among the better inks out there?

[VanMan]

Oh yeah, and how nice is the Waterman Carene? Thanks!