Small Pens For 150 Or Less?

[Icywolfe]

The extra cost is due to import.

[ac12]

A "restored" Esterbrook SJ with your choice of nib.

Although that might be a little small for you.

Edited October 29, 2014 by ac12

[sirgilbert357]

A "restored" Esterbrook SJ with your choice of nib.

Although that might be a little small for you.

Well, small is what I'm looking for...

 

Ideal specs:

Length: 4.5 - 4.9 capped; 5 - 5.75 posted

Diameter: up to .55 (body); .35 - .39 (grip section)

Weight: less than 27g

Edited October 29, 2014 by sirgilbert357

[Bo Bo Olson]

A 200/400 is not a small pen, it is standard sized...like a Esterbrook DJ.

 

A Pelikan 140 is a medium small pen that posts to standard size. That was a very popular size in Germany, Pelikan, Geha, Osmia and Kaweco made pens that size in the '50's.

 

A Pelikan 300 is a small pen.

Edited October 29, 2014 by Bo Bo Olson

[sirgilbert357]

A 200/400 is not a small pen, it is standard sized...like a Esterbrook DJ.

 

A Pelikan 140 is a medium small pen that posts to standard size. That was a very popular size in Germany, Pelikan, Geha, Osmia and Kaweco made pens that size in the '50's.

 

A Pelikan 300 is a small pen.

Touché.

 

Guess it depends on one's definition of "small" then. I'm just looking for something that meets my specs for size...

[Lou Erickson]

Yeah, I'd second or third the suggestion of a vintage 140.

 

Has anyone suggested an Esterbrook SJ? Lots of nib choices and nice colors there. The Esterbrook loaner thread in the Esterbrook forum might get you one to try before you buy, too.

[heymatthew]

How about an Edison Pearlette?

[saizine]

I too am keen on small(er) pens, and I can very much recommend the Pilot Stargazer (I have the black in a M nib that's a dream!) and the TWSBI Mini (I have three, all EFs, all lovely writers). I'm also in the market for a Sailor Sapporo, so it looks like our tastes are quite similar. You can't really go wrong with any of these, imho.

 

I'd also recommend considering what you need/want to use the pens for--I use my TWSBIs for notetaking while I'm at uni, whereas I tend to keep my Stargazer on my person for short scribbles unless I'm sat at my desk where I can refill if needed. I'd also note that that TWSBI and Stargazer, in my hands, feel as if they're similar weights, although the Pilot certainly feels as if the weight isn't as well distributed. I've had no problems with overbalancing or uneven weight distribution when writing with the Stargazer posted, though.

[Biff]

I have a Franklin-Christoph Pocket 40 which is quite nice.

[sirgilbert357]

Yeah, I'd second or third the suggestion of a vintage 140.

 

Has anyone suggested an Esterbrook SJ? Lots of nib choices and nice colors there. The Esterbrook loaner thread in the Esterbrook forum might get you one to try before you buy, too.

 

Yes, there was prior mention of Esterbrooks...I've been looking at them on Ebay for a generous portion of the day now, LOL. Really good lookin pens for not much money. I'll have to research to see if there are replacement nibs out there for them (some of the examples I'm finding are perfect except for the nib).

[sirgilbert357]

How about an Edison Pearlette?

 

I DID see that one, but I ruled it out for some reason...I think because it is just a smidge over 5 inches capped. Harsh? Maybe, but there are enough choices that I like better that are well UNDER 5 inches, so yeah...it didn't make the cut.

[sirgilbert357]

I too am keen on small(er) pens, and I can very much recommend the Pilot Stargazer (I have the black in a M nib that's a dream!) and the TWSBI Mini (I have three, all EFs, all lovely writers). I'm also in the market for a Sailor Sapporo, so it looks like our tastes are quite similar. You can't really go wrong with any of these, imho.

 

I'd also recommend considering what you need/want to use the pens for--I use my TWSBIs for notetaking while I'm at uni, whereas I tend to keep my Stargazer on my person for short scribbles unless I'm sat at my desk where I can refill if needed. I'd also note that that TWSBI and Stargazer, in my hands, feel as if they're similar weights, although the Pilot certainly feels as if the weight isn't as well distributed. I've had no problems with overbalancing or uneven weight distribution when writing with the Stargazer posted, though.

 

Man, I really wish you lived in Dallas, LOL. I'd love to try out all three pens. I'm most interested in the Stargazer at this point. You say the weight is balanced when writing posted? But how heavy is it? I think the Sapporo is significantly lighter, and I actually prefer the lightest pen I can get. If you had to write 10 pages straight, would you pick up the Sapporo or the Stargazer? And why?

[sirgilbert357]

I have a Franklin-Christoph Pocket 40 which is quite nice.

 

Like the Pocket 40 a LOT, but I'd really love an 02 Intrinsic in Emerald Green from them. That pen is actually on a list titled "Future Pens", lol.

[Moshe ben David]

pilot Elite NOS or the modern 98S short pen is short infact its more of a picket pen and then dont forget Kaweco

 

Maybe you mean the recently issued Pilot E95S, which is being marketed as modern version of the Elite?

[Moshe ben David]

I suggest if you haven't already, you visit the website for Peyton Street Pens. Teri usually has a good selection and I can attest to her having great customer service as well as accurately describing the condition of the pens she has for sale. Here's the website:

 

http://www.peytonstreetpens.com/

[Algester]

Maybe you mean the recently issued Pilot E95S, which is being marketed as modern version of the Elite?

If i did get the number wrong yes it is the 95S either way the elite is an old pen hence I added NOS the vintage models have a lot of nib types as opposed tothe inlaid look

Speakingn of which there's also the Pilot Myu

[Moshe ben David]

If i did get the number wrong yes it is the 95S either way the elite is an old pen hence I added NOS the vintage models have a lot of nib types as opposed tothe inlaid look

Speakingn of which there's also the Pilot Myu

 

FYI. Several years ago Pilot brought out a re-make of the Pilot Myu also; the MU-90. Beautiful pen; it is my pocket carry. But I think price on it would be higher than $150

[Algester]

FYI. Several years ago Pilot brought out a re-make of the Pilot Myu also; the MU-90. Beautiful pen; it is my pocket carry. But I think price on it would be higher than $150

True but I dont know if the Myus are still out there in the second hand market but most likely its going to be japan exclusive

[sirgilbert357]

I suggest if you haven't already, you visit the website for Peyton Street Pens. Teri usually has a good selection and I can attest to her having great customer service as well as accurately describing the condition of the pens she has for sale. Here's the website:

 

http://www.peytonstreetpens.com/

Wow, awesome link! Thank you...any other trusted sellers that have restored vintage pens for sale?

[sirgilbert357]

And I actually ran into the Pilot custom 98 and the modern E95 following Algester's previous advice, so it's all good. I think I'd prefer the Stella 90s in blue over both of them. Good clarification though.

Edited October 30, 2014 by sirgilbert357