Best Pen Under $100

[Violet.Ink]

For a nice everyday pen under $100 I also suggest taking a look at Japanese pens on Rakuten. I got a Custom 74 for about $75 + shipping (music nib, so can't comment about it for your particular use). A couple of weeks ago I received a Platinum Century Bourgogne with soft fine nib. It's great for the office's bad paper if you don't apply pressure (for that, I bring my own paper); I got it for about $60 + shipping (which is about $10 for USA).

To decide, I look for reviews here and in other places on the web, especially those with non-stock pictures and writing videos. Sometimes you can estimate if the pen will be ok for you by comparing your way of writing with the one of the person making the video. Trying them would be ideal but it's not possible at the shop I have nearby (also, they only have medium nibs and are focused on few brands).

[dogpoet]

Given the caveat about needing to write on cruddy paper at school and the obvious taste for fine nibs, I think the only vintage pens that'd do the job are going to be Parkers, specifically a 51, or a 45. You can get both for rather less than $100 on ebay, and they're both a lot easier to find (and cheaper) with a fine nib as the fatter nibs and stubs seem to be the models that are the most desirable to collectors.

 

As for new pens, I'd suggest staying with the Japanese manufacturers, as you obviously like Pilots. Maybe a Prera, as that seems to be the next model up from the Metropolitan, and is a rather different looking beast (self consciously old school) to the MBs?

[ac12]

For school, I would NOT buy an expensive pen.

For me, school is a high risk environment. High risk for damage, loss, or theft.

Go with a LOW COST pen. One that if lost, will not be a financial hardship to replaced.

 

My suggestion, since you like your TWSBI, is the $30 TWSBI ECO with an EF nib. You may have to align/polish the tipping to get it to write smoothly. My EF nib was a little scratchy when I got it, but with a little work, it now writes smooth :-)

BTW, the TWSBI EF nib would be like your Pilot F nib, and similar to your Lamy EF.

 

For vintage, I agree with others:

- Parker 45. You can find 45s for less than $30.

- Parker 51. The 51 Special is usually cheaper than the regular 51. For the 51 I recommend going with the Aerometric or the Special. The 51 Vacumatic will likely need to have the diaphram replaced, more $$.

 

I also recommend that you carry TWO pens, a primary and a backup/spare. When the primary pen runs dry or gives you trouble, switch to the backup pen, and deal with the primary pen later when you have time.

Edited October 28, 2015 by ac12

[dfo]

Which would you prefer out of these three: Pilot Custom 74, Vanishing Point, Lamy 2000?

I also recently thought through buying one of these pens. I chose the Lamy 2000, because of the piston filler (so much ink), the design, and the material used in its production: Makrolon. The Lamy 2000 will better hide scratches and dings caused by every day use.

[CAG_1787]

Which would you prefer out of these three: Pilot Custom 74, Vanishing Point, Lamy 2000?

Unquestionably the Lamy 2000 first (depending on whether the aesthetics appeal to you or not), then the 74, then the VP. I like my VPs, but don't love them, especially compared to what else is in that price bracket.

[dogpoet]

What they said already. I really like the Lamy 2000: it's a solid, unfussy and nicely designed pen. The Vanishing Point feels a bit too gimmicky to me (although it is a brilliant gimmick) and holds very little ink, which is more of a sticking point.

[FOUR X FOUR]

How about the TWSBI vac 700

[bbycrts]

...

Lamy 2k is also just a bit over your limit, but gold nib w/piston filler and a good option if you happen to not care for Japanese pens and the Me too MB-a-like shape of the 3776. I will say, as boring as the design of the 3776 is, they do somewhat make up for it in the finishes. They look really nice in real life. excellent plating and the Chartres Blue is really pretty.

Lamy 2000 can very often be purchased "used" on Amazon for just under $100. Piston filler with a gold nib. I have an EF and for the life of me - there is no way to tell it is used. It even came in the original box with the original paperwork - about the only thing it's missing is a plastic baggie around the pen.

 

My EF nib is wonderful and the pen is so much better than I ever imagined. I'm getting rid of my Japanese gold nib pens in favor of Lamy 2000 and Pelikans (out of your range, but awesome).