What Is Your Favorite Slim Pen?

[rwilsonedn]

Some random thoughts. First, +1 on both browsing isellpens and on the classic Cross Century--a very slim, elegant pen and a wonderful writer. Also, you might look for a vintage Papermate slim pen. They are not easy to find now, but they are superb. And these days the Chinese manufacturers are making quite a few slim, F-nibbed pens that are excellent. (Hence the suggestion to browse isellpens.) Finally, there is the Waterman Laureat, another modestly-heavy very good writer.

ron

[rcarlisle]

I am surprised no one has mentioned the Sailor Chalana, and the Sheaffer slim Targa, Fashion 1, and TRZ. The Sheaffer's are no longer made and it is impossible to find cartridges for them and hard to find OEM converters, but the Montegrappa slim converter will fit them. I have been able to find OEM converters for all three of my pens.

 

Ron Zorn has a Fashion 1 for sale for less that $50 US on his Cheapskate Alley page at http://www.mainstreetpens.com. (No financial interest on my part. I am just a happy customer of his.) I think Speerbob has slim Targas for sale on his eBay store. A very reputable guy.

 

The Chalana is expensive so that may be why no one mentioned it. There is also the Cross Spire. I don't like their fancy looks but they are very slim.

 

The regular Targa and the Fashion 2 are thicker pens so be sure you look for the slim versions.

[Silvermink]

+1 for the Aurora Hastil.

[wspohn]

Probably worth adding the Aurora Marco Polo to the list too (I'm still chuffed that I grabbed a vermeil (gold over sterling silver) Marco for $45....but don't expect to snag one that cheap, it takes years of assiduous bottom feeding. The steel or enamel versions go for just over $100 though)

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzUwWDEwMDA=/$(KGrHqN,!qcE-+WJ2(lgBP13dDydRg~~60_3.JPG

[lurker]

The Ohto pens look tempting. I might get one to try out, the price is extremely affordable not to give them a try.

 

But I'll probably treat myself to something nicer, I keep checking out the Sailor and Pilot pen reviews.

[PAKMAN]

Pilot Prera

Sheaffer Slim Targa

Parker 75

Parker 45

[Sailor Kenshin]

What is your favorite slim pen?

 

I have a TWSBI 540, a Noodler Ahab Flex and a friend gave me a fountain pen made from a kit awhile back. All of these fountain pens I have are (what I consider) thicker pens. I have small girly hands that get tired after writing for extended periods. I'm thinking a slimmer/lighter pen will help that.

 

Furthermore, can you all recommend something for me within a $150-$200 budget? Below $150 is okay too.

 

Also, I've checked the FAQ and the threads linked to this questions are a bit old (2006) which isnt necessarily a problem, but trends come and go, I would like to hear current opinions.

 

Pens that I've considered so far: Pilot Custom 74, Platinum Modern Maki-e, Lamy 2000.

 

Thanks guyz!

 

I don't LIKE slim pens... they make my hands cramp up.

 

Nevertheless, someone gave me two 'Doctor' pens for review. Slim, slim pen, slinky nib. Under or about twenty bucks.

 

I kept refilling and refilling the thing. This is not the Hero 616 packaged as a pen for doctors, but a tortoiseshellish finish, and says Doctor.

 

Speerbob on ebay used to sell this. I don't know where you could find one now, but I gave one of mine away. Reluctantly.

 

Don't overlook the inexpensive pens.

[charliesm]

may i add the rotring 700 to the long list of recommended pens here? it's a bit on the heavy side (~25g) but it feels right and well balanced. the ef nib i have puts down a very fine line; and it's a bit springy as well.

[ThirdeYe]

Even though it was designed as a Ladies Pen, the Esterbrook LJ still has a nice feel to it, for being a little more thin than the J. My Pentel Excalibur is also slim, but I love the way it writes. The Waterman Laureat is another good, slim pen. My favorite, though, is my Sheaffer Balance (non-lifetime) Marine Green Striated, from the late 30s/early 40s. It's slim, long, and is one of my best writers.

[fourseamer]

Any number of Cross models would qualify. An underrated brand that I associate with excellent writing quality. Just be advised that some of their models, e.g. Townsend, can be heavy. My Townsend Medalist could be used as a sledgehammer in a pinch.

 

I tried a Sailor Industrial Revolution (aka Reglus or Regulus) about a year ago. Darned good writer with a smooth fine (i.e. extra fine) nib. Just too small and slim for me. Not too expensive if you shop around. Any of the Japanese manufacturers probably have something that would suit you.

[rwilsonedn]

Now that I think about it, did we get this far without anyone mentioning the Parker Vector? I guess they have had their ups and downs, but the one example I have is a very decent pen: a good, reliable writer, slim, and light. And they are quite inexpensive.

ron

[pajaro]

I tried a Sailor 1911 Standard recently, and found the pen very ordinary. If you want something extraordinary that is light and not too large, try a used or NOS Montblanc 144 in red or black. I have several of these and have used some for 29 years, These are so nice that I have yet to find a better pen.

 

You might also consider looking for a NOS Parker 51 demi. Similar size to a Pelikan M200 or M400 and tthe nibs run true to nominal size. The Pelikan M200/M400 is nice and light, not overly large but the gold nibs seem to run broad for their nominal size.

 

I have tried a lot of other stuff, and found most of those pens to be just stuff. Look into the Montblanc 144 used or NOS.

[Federer]

Consider a Pelikan M150! Great writers, and slimmer than the 200/400 series.

[mgm1988]

You could pick up a wonderfully slender German Papermate for 10% of your budget. I have had mine for over 20 years and the brushed chrome still looks good and the medium nib is very sweet. The pen feels very light in the hand and is 8mm at its thickest point.

[Freddy]

Since no mention..I'll make an Honorable one for the following...INPO..

Roberge Orbit..Montblanc Nobleese..Delta Astra: Medium Size..

Visconti..2nd generation Ragtime/Ponte Vecchio..Silver Eagle..et al..

 

Fred

Edit...removed A and replace with the Big "O"...

Edited June 23, 2012 by Freddy

[JCat]

Once again I very seriously recommend picking up an Ohto Rook and converter (for easier and faster cleaning) if only because mine has been living a pretty exciting life for a fountain pen and has never given me any trouble. Pick up a syringe and a bottle of ink and you are set with just the one cartridge it comes with.

 

For less than $20 you get what is in my opinion one of the best traveling pens available. It fits in small spaces, caps to a full size, and is nicely balanced in hand. I love mine very much, and would be sad to lose it, but it cost me $16.50. I can afford another one. In fact, that's why it lives in my purse. Plus it is an incredibly fun pen.

 

 

 

Nothing is forcing you to buy *only* one slim light pen. Learn with the cheap Rook, then spend the money on something nicer after you've gotten a feel for it. I have a feeling you will get plenty of use out of the Ohto even after an upgrade. Worst case, that's the pen you hand people when they want to experiment with your more expensive choice. And people will ask to play with your fountain pens. I keep a Pilot Varsity (a good cheap pen in its own right) in my purse just to prevent that.

[lurker]

Once again I very seriously recommend picking up an Ohto Rook and converter (for easier and faster cleaning) if only because mine has been living a pretty exciting life for a fountain pen and has never given me any trouble. Pick up a syringe and a bottle of ink and you are set with just the one cartridge it comes with.

 

For less than $20 you get what is in my opinion one of the best traveling pens available. It fits in small spaces, caps to a full size, and is nicely balanced in hand. I love mine very much, and would be sad to lose it, but it cost me $16.50. I can afford another one. In fact, that's why it lives in my purse. Plus it is an incredibly fun pen.

 

 

Nothing is forcing you to buy *only* one slim light pen. Learn with the cheap Rook, then spend the money on something nicer after you've gotten a feel for it. I have a feeling you will get plenty of use out of the Ohto even after an upgrade. Worst case, that's the pen you hand people when they want to experiment with your more expensive choice. And people will ask to play with your fountain pens. I keep a Pilot Varsity (a good cheap pen in its own right) in my purse just to prevent that.

 

That is how I felt about the Noodler Ahab and to a lesser extent the TWSBI. Which is why I was looking for something a little nicer. But, I keep looking that the Rook and think it would be a fun pen to have around.

[jslallar]

My choices of slim pens:

1. Cross Century Classic
2. Pelikan P381 New Cl;assic

 

 

[JCat]

I think, if you keep eyeing it that much go for it. It is a fun pen, it is a portable pen, and it brings a little individualism and personality to the table.

 

Plus, if you go for the Rook now you will have something to play with while you take a serious look at many of the other fine suggestions in this thread. I tend to keep my nice pens at home, because they are nice pens. I would not want anything to happen to them. My Rook and a few other choice cheapies? They follow me wherever I go.

 

A collection grows one pen at a time. Figure out what you like in a pen the cheap way, and upgrade from there. I've discovered some things I am extremely picky about in my pen preferences and have a much firmer idea of what styles work best for me.

[dickydotcom]

Sheaffer Targa slimline is one of the most elgant.

But make sure you get a converter because Sheaffer no longer make the cartridges that fit.

OR get some cartridges and refill them. At the moment they can still be found.

 

Dick D