Great Pen For Under $300

[kdquenzer]

I just received a gift card for $300 and would like to add a quality pen to my collection. I have ready quite a bit about the Pilot 823 but before I order I would some other opinions. I am also considering a Pelikan M800 and a Pilot Vanishing Point. I would like a quality nib that writes smooth and feels good against the paper and a pen that is comfortable to hold for long periods of writing. I have a Lamy 2000 which is a very nice pen but am looking for something different. Please let me know what you would recommend in my price range.

 

Thanks in advance,

Kenny

[IWantThat]

Wow! A lot of options, I'd say. You can't go wrong with a VP or an M800. Pilot pens are some of my faves. Maybe you need to visit a shop where you can try the models you're considering and find out which one really speaks to you

[kdquenzer]

Wow! A lot of options, I'd say. You can't go wrong with a VP or an M800. Pilot pens are some of my faves. Maybe you need to visit a shop where you can try the models you're considering and find out which one really speaks to you

 

I would love to try some different pens but we do not have a pen shop in OKlahoma City. Very disappointing.

[opus7600]

Of those 3, I'd recommend the Custom 823. Why?

1) Huge ink capacity. The Vanishing Point has a pitifully small converter. If you want any longevity out of it, you'll need to refill carts. The M800 is fine in this regard.

2) Weight. The custom 823 has almost no mechanism, so it's very light compared to the Vanishing Point (solid brass barrel and click mechanism) and the M800 (some parts of the piston are brass, leading some to complain it is back-heavy.)

3) Nib. Big, showy size 15 nib. Sure, since they're both Pilot nibs, the Vanishing Point should compare admirably in flow and smoothness, but I like seeing my nibs. I find Pelikans usually run much too wet for my taste, often turning what is supposedly an EF nib into an F line.

 

One downside, depending on your point of view, could be that to use the 823, you need to unscrew the blind cap to open the ink valve between the barrel and section. It prevents leaking, but if you are just using it for quick jotting, then you might find it tiresome.

[TonySMJC]

I took my cross townsend out today

 

It is a really nice writter

 

I droped the pen months back and added a gold nib to replace the steel one

all told I would say it was nice in steel and nicer in gold

 

aound 300 once its all said and done

[georges zaslavsky]

m800, vac major, waterman le man 200, sheaffer balance, omas ogiva and wahl eversharp

[professionaldilettante]

Hey... Stop slamming Pilot pens that require the CON-20 converter. It actually holds quite a fare amount of ink, as I can go a whole day without refilling sometimes. If you're considering a VP, take a look at a Fermo. They are rare in these waters, but I find that it's more distinguished than the clicker mechanism of the VP or Decimo. I have one, and it has been my go to pen ever since I got it. Sure, You could buy 2 VP's for the cost of one, but the uniqueness of it is excellent. Also, if you're worried about the clip getting in the way, there is a narrowing on the clip that allows your fingertips to nestle in it, reinforcing the tripod grip and making the clip practically gone in terms of it getting in the way.

[cliffp]

I have an M800 and a Pilot Decimo, which is the slim version of the Vanishing Point (it has the same nib unit even if its appearance is slightly different). Both pens have M nibs - the M800 M is slightly broad and the Pilot's M is like a western fine. I much prefer the look of the M800 but don't like the ergonomics as my hands are quite small and I find the barrel too broad to grip comfortably.

 

Although the Pilot has a clip which some people find gets in the way of where they want to place their fingers, I find it quite easy to get used to. My index finger goes on top of the clip but I don't find it a problem.

 

I prefer the way the Pilot writes. It is incredibly smooth despite having a finer nib. It always starts immediately and doesn't skip. It is nice and wet which I like - absolutely perfect. I find the M800 smooth but my unit is not quite as smooth as the Pilot, and I can even (just about) hear the nib moving on the paper - this is no big deal I should add! The M800 is also nicely wet.

 

Some people complain about having to remove the nib unit to fill the Pilot but I don't find it a problem.

 

I love the convenience of the retractable nib unit in the Pilot. Ironically, I enjoy writing with it so much, I don't want to retract the nib anyway.

 

In summary, I don't much care for the aesthetics of the Pilot (to me it looks like an old fashioned retractable ball point, albeit finished to a higher standard) but I much prefer its ergonomics and writing characteristics. Overall I prefer the Pilot and intend to keep this and sell the M800.

[alexander_k]

If you like the smoothness of the Pilot nib you might enjoy a Sailor nib as well. Sailor pens come in different sizes, so you'll certainly find something to suit your preferences. You could also consider a vintage Pilot Murex or Parker Falcon, both slim, stiff and smooth.

[Jezza]

I would also vote for the Pilot 823, or the Pilot 743, which is the same pen in a cartridge converter version. The 823 is a nice size, and the Pilot #15 sized nibs are great. Of course, the Pelikan M800 is a nice pen as well.

[macaddicted]

I have all three. The VP is nice, you can change the nib easily, but keep ink nearby. It's also the heaviest of the pens. The M800 is lighter, can also change the nib, though not as cheaply, and holds a lot of ink. The Custom 823 was one of the smoothest writers I've owned out of the box, holds a Noachian amount of ink, but you have to back the fill cap off a little when writing or the ink doesn't flow properly--a strange function of the design.

 

Of the three I'd say the M800 or Custom 823, though the VP does have a certain "cool" factor, and you could get two for the price of one of the others. In checking Richard Binder's site you could get two VP pens, one custom ground to a stub or CI for a bit over your budget. If you want a MB 146 type pen without paying for the precious resin then the Pilot Custom. For another kind of cool, if you can find an M800 demo it's a fine pen too. Of the three, if forced, I'd pick the Pilot Custom, even over my M800 Demo Binderized Italifine. But not by much.

 

I do so enjoy spending other people's money.

[Bo Bo Olson]

Hundreds of modern pens with 'smooth' stiffer than the generation before blobby nibs.

No big deal, take cartridges and converters.

Same O, Same O nibs. Smooth nail to stiff regular nibs.

Trouble is the modern piston pens also don't have much for better nibs out side the Pelikan 1000.

 

When you get enough pens nibs, you need a mythical semi-flex nib.

 

I don't think you can get one with a gift card.

 

Dupont, big, heavy, butter smooth nail nib.......very well made. I want one some day.

[voop]

Of those 3, I'd recommend the Custom 823. Why?

1) Huge ink capacity. The Vanishing Point has a pitifully small converter. If you want any longevity out of it, you'll need to refill carts. The M800 is fine in this regard.

2) Weight. The custom 823 has almost no mechanism, so it's very light compared to the Vanishing Point (solid brass barrel and click mechanism) and the M800 (some parts of the piston are brass, leading some to complain it is back-heavy.)

3) Nib. Big, showy size 15 nib. Sure, since they're both Pilot nibs, the Vanishing Point should compare admirably in flow and smoothness, but I like seeing my nibs. I find Pelikans usually run much too wet for my taste, often turning what is supposedly an EF nib into an F line.

 

One downside, depending on your point of view, could be that to use the 823, you need to unscrew the blind cap to open the ink valve between the barrel and section. It prevents leaking, but if you are just using it for quick jotting, then you might find it tiresome.

 

Fun, I would recommend the 823, but instead say "caveat, as the pen is in all plastic, it is freakishly light - my preference is heavier or heavy pens"

 

So to me, you are right on 1) and 2) as being advantages of the 823 over the VP, whereas you point 2) to me is against the 823 and in favor of the VP.

[xwingrox]

Go with a Sailor Professional Gear or a Sailor Sapporo in M

You really won't be disappointed!

[drgoretex]

Alright, one more voice:

 

Yup, the pilot (non-vanishing point) pens certainly have my vote. Have a couple, and love them. Awesome nibs. But I'd also second the Sailor Professional gear pens. Absolutely wonderful. And, of course - the Pelikans are superb. I don't have a M800, but 2 M6xx, and an M400, and they are never far from sight. Love them.

 

Ken

[goodguy]

Visconti Wall Streat LE can be had for 250$-300$ on ebay

 

Gorgeous pen, excellent writer.

 

Montblanc 146 can be had for 200$-300$ off ebay or here on FPN

 

Classic pen and gorgeous writer.

 

Pelikan M800 is another excellent choice.

Edited December 12, 2011 by goodguy

[FarmBoy]

In no particular order:

 

Parker "51", 75, Duofold, Vacumatic

Sheaffer's Snorkel, TD, PFM, Lifetime

Esterbrook (a small pile)

Waterman 12, Ink-vue, 54

Wahl Equiposed, Doric, Skyline

 

All icons and with 300 skins you are in the game for any of these.

[JustinJ]

How about a Nakaya Matte Briarwood pen for $350.00?

 

http://nibs.com/NakayaBriarwoodPage.html

 

I think you can special order your own metal trim for no extra cost on most finishes. You can see some of the clips and barrel rings down lower on this page

 

http://www.nakaya.org/eclip.html

[Laura N]

I just received a gift card for $300 and would like to add a quality pen to my collection. I have ready quite a bit about the Pilot 823 but before I order I would some other opinions. I am also considering a Pelikan M800 and a Pilot Vanishing Point. I would like a quality nib that writes smooth and feels good against the paper and a pen that is comfortable to hold for long periods of writing. I have a Lamy 2000 which is a very nice pen but am looking for something different. Please let me know what you would recommend in my price range.

 

Thanks in advance,

Kenny

 

What size nib do you like? I think that makes a difference, as the Japanese pens in my experience have narrower nibs.

 

Do you want a pen that looks more traditional than the Lamy 2000? Do you like lighter or heavier pens? Do you care about color, etc? Do you like larger pens or smaller pens?

 

Not knowing any of those things, I wouldn't hazard a recommendation. I will comment on the Vanishing Point. I think it's a great pen. I love the smooth and springy nib, the design, the fun factor, the good value. It's a great user. However, except for the Raden one, I would put it in the same range as the Lamy 2000.

 

I think the Pelikan 800, which I don't have, is more of a step up. It's got a more old-fashioned design, which is either a plus or a minus, depending on your tastes.

 

I really like Edison pens, and you could pick your own style and material. It's a little more expensive than $300 if you want a gold nib. And if you want a custom one, you have to wait a few weeks for him to make it. But I'd still recommend that you look at Edison. Again, if you want a step up.

[kdquenzer]

I just received a gift card for $300 and would like to add a quality pen to my collection. I have ready quite a bit about the Pilot 823 but before I order I would some other opinions. I am also considering a Pelikan M800 and a Pilot Vanishing Point. I would like a quality nib that writes smooth and feels good against the paper and a pen that is comfortable to hold for long periods of writing. I have a Lamy 2000 which is a very nice pen but am looking for something different. Please let me know what you would recommend in my price range.

 

Thanks in advance,

Kenny

 

What size nib do you like? I think that makes a difference, as the Japanese pens in my experience have narrower nibs.

 

Do you want a pen that looks more traditional than the Lamy 2000? Do you like lighter or heavier pens? Do you care about color, etc? Do you like larger pens or smaller pens?

 

Not knowing any of those things, I wouldn't hazard a recommendation. I will comment on the Vanishing Point. I think it's a great pen. I love the smooth and springy nib, the design, the fun factor, the good value. It's a great user. However, except for the Raden one, I would put it in the same range as the Lamy 2000.

 

I think the Pelikan 800, which I don't have, is more of a step up. It's got a more old-fashioned design, which is either a plus or a minus, depending on your tastes.

 

I really like Edison pens, and you could pick your own style and material. It's a little more expensive than $300 if you want a gold nib. And if you want a custom one, you have to wait a few weeks for him to make it. But I'd still recommend that you look at Edison. Again, if you want a step up.

 

I have an EF nib on my Lamy 2000 and it works well but I want something a little bigger on this pen, probably a medium. I do want a more traditional looking pen with a shiny or glossy exterior and something with a bit more heft than the 2000. It would be nice to get something other than a black pen.

 

After reading all the reviews I am leaning toward a Pilot VP or a Sailor Professional Gear. I don't like the idea of having to open the tail plug on the 823 every time I want to use it. Does this bother anyone else?

 

Thanks for the help!