One Pen Under $200

[J85909266]

I think a Platinum 3776 is a great idea. Gold nib, lots of color options, has a cap sealer that prevents dry out, sized for use and carry for anyone, lots of nib options including soft if you want a little flex.

 

http://www.gouletpens.com/platinum-3776-century/c/278

 

To me, this is the budget writer's pen. It has everything you need in a great pen, under $200.

[DaveColangelo]

In the stiff nib realm I would take a look at the Edison Collier (currently my favorite in my collection). It can be had for 150 new and comes in some very nice color options. I have it in Medium, which to be honest is on the finer side after some adjustment, but can also be had in fine. Like many other pens the Edison nibs are interchangeable so if you don't like the fine nib you can order a replacement in medium or any other size they offer.

 

I will second what was said earlier about checking out local antique malls for stuff I have had quite a bit of luck doing just that. I will however offer a word of advice, while hunting for vintage stuff is great fun and some truly great pens can be had for a great deal it can be a gable. I have been burned more than once and Im sure others here have too. It will take some time to get to know what you are looking at in terms of what can be saved and what cant. Most stuff can be repaired at home with simple tools and often just needs a good cleaning.

 

Good luck with the hunt!

 

Dave

[MarcS]

+1 platinum, especially since you can get a music nib for line variation without flex--stiff enough for everyday use, and line variation for looks. pilot and sailor pens are also available with music nibs--comparison reviews elsewhere on this site.

[FOUR X FOUR]

Pilot falcon or a Lamy 2000. You'll have enough left over for some ink and Tomoe River paper.

[Moshe ben David]

I can't tell from the posts if the OP has already made a purchase or not...

 

ABSOLUTELY keep looking at Peyton Street Pens website { http://www.peytonstreetpens.com/} -- Teri always has new things showing up and best of all her customer service is as good as it comes!

 

Several suggested various Pelikan models; to which I add the P2xx series. Many are a bit light-weight (physically); a few variants are a bit heavier. These are piston fill pens, with large reservoirs and smooth as silk nibs.

 

Pilot VP and Pilot Decimo are great pens; Pilot nibs in general are very smooth writers. The VP and the Decimo both have retractable nibs which are a great convenience in many situations.

 

The Lamy 2000 is a classic both in terms of design optics and in terms of function. Very smooth nib; it is also a piston fill and is a pleasure to use. But Lamy has a whole spectrum of other pens that fall in the OP price range and which should be considered.

 

In the vintage world, for his price range, many Parker and Shaeffer pens will work.

 

I think the problem is he's simply got too many choices!

 

L'chaim!

[deepak23]

+2 on the 3776. Much better pen than the price charged. And it looks fantastic too. And the NIV though not flex, is definitely springy...n

[Sergio 46]

Platinum 3776, Lamy 2000 , Pilot Falcon Namiki and Pelikan M400 are all excellent choices that deserve to be tried!