$400 Budget

[mukukaduk]

Hi,
It's my 18th birthday soon and so my parents will probably be getting me a new pen! What are some options for less than $400 AUD?
Thanks!

[nm4]

The ideal pen for you depends on your preferences. In the price you've mentioned my favorite pen is the Pelikan m800. I find it elegant to look at, supremely comfortable in the hand, and very smooth in nibs ranging from the EF to the Italic broad. That said, there are so many good options in your price range.

 

Cheers,

NM

[mukukaduk]

Cool, I do like the pen; however I would only buy the brown tortoise shell colour personally and thats almost $500 ): There is an m400 brown but that pen isn't as nice right?

Good point on the preferences, I'll add some here:
-Pull off cap (or not too much spinning required to take it off - max 1 spin)
-Postable
-Ideally a fine stub/italic/oblique meaning ≤1mm preferable less than. Any smooth nib will do though I guess.
-Colours I would look for: Brown, Navy blue, Grey, Demonstrator.
-Piston/vacuum/eyedropper/big capacity (converter is passable if the pen is super epic )

Thanks,
MR

[Sblakers]

For around 400.00 you could get a Parker 51 vacumatic demonstrator. You need to be very careful because there are a lot of fakes or remakes out there. I would go to Ernesto Solers website. He is an authority on Parker 51's. These are vintage pens and you did not specify wether you would be open to trying vintage. This is an epic" pen. These pens hold a lot if ink, write incredibly well, are built like tanks and are just plain amazing pens.

They have hooded nibs, which means you can leave the cap off without writing for longer than you would be able to with a standard nib. They are vac fillers- which are fun to use. The cap can be posted. I think this pen meets all your criteria.

Anyway, there's my two cents.

[Uncle Red]

Lamy 2000 with a B nib, a BB nib if you can find one. They are not as broad as the rest of the Lamy nibs and they are not interchangeable. They are stubby though. I love mine and it writes forever.

 

Have you tried a vanising point? or a Lamy Dialog 3?

[georges zaslavsky]

parker duofold or a vintage osmia

[JLS1]

If it were me, I'd spend $400 to buy 2-3 pens rather than just one (and don't forget ink!). I think the advice you've been given above is good but it might also help to know what pens you've already got, which ones you like and why.

 

Also, do you want to buy new or would you consider used?

Edited May 13, 2013 by JLS1

[Edwaroth]

In the Pelikan line, I have a 600 and it is a wonderfully perfect pen...for many people, by the way. Around the 300USD neighborhood. I think I would look to get two or three at a cheaper price. Say, a Lamy 2000 and a Sailor Pro Gear Standard total ca. 415USD. or. A Pelikan M400 and Pilot Lucina ( two fantastic pens) for approx 350USD. I envy you the position you are in... I wish my parents were alive to buy me the pen of my dreams!

 

Choose wisely Grasshopper...

 

Edward Roth

Edited May 14, 2013 by Edwaroth

[mukukaduk]

-I'd rather not used
-currently have: Parker IM, Sailor 1911 (M-F) <i'd prefer M for Japanese pens, nevertheless still super smooth, love it >, Lamy safari (f), Pilot parallel, some kit pen. My favourite is probably the sailor just because its the smoothest but I prefer a bit more stroke width (like on my lamy fine). I dont mind using pens that are for example 0.65mm italics though XD

[Uncle Red]

Here's a writing sample from my Lamy 2000 with a B nib vs a TWSBI Vac 700 with a 1.5 stub.

 

[Inguz]

You could go italian and look for an Omas or an Aurora for that price thereabouts.

[stevekolt]

My latest "modern" acquisition has been pretty darn good...going to have to order another soon. I received an Edison Beaumont Pneumatic Filler with an EF nib. Just outstanding. I ordered my first one in "Briar Swirl Ebonite" with a two tone EF steel nib. Large ink capacity, filling is truly "hassle free", and Brian is as good as it gets when asking questions about his products. The next one will probably be ordered in Black Ebonite, with gold accents and a gold EF nib. The Signature Line Beaumont Pneumatic Filler is $350 with a steel nib, or $450 with a gold nib. The production line with a steel nib and cartridge converter is around $150. Hope this helps, and I am speaking as a consumer...no affiliation with Edison Pen Co. whatsoever...just a new fan.

[mukukaduk]

Thanks for all the suggestions, ended up going for the visconti opera elements air in fine After trying the dreamtouch nib instore... must have

[Penne Stilografiche]

I would recommend a Stipula Etruria Casa Mila with a 14k stub nib. Pen is prices at $350 and it is a beautiful pen.http://www.fahrneyspens.com/Galleria/1/193474s-Large.jpg