Kirk From Stratford-Upon-Avon

[kirkmc]

Hello.

 

It all started a while ago when I wanted a nice pen. I'm a journalist, and, while I write all my work on a computer, I have been increasingly taking notes and writing sketches with pens and pencils. I'm old enough to remember what it was like to write before bits and bytes took over, so there's a certain element of nostalgia in going back to a pre-digital technique.

 

So I bought a nice pen: the Montblanc Honoré de Balzac writer's edition ballpoint pen. Yes, a ballpoint... You see, I have a Meisterstück that I bought some 30 years ago, and I got the kind with a piston, and it's always been a mess to use. So I put it aside a long time ago.

 

I love the Balzac pen - and he's one of my favorite writers - and I recently augmented my collection with the Montblanc Shakespeare ballpoint. I love that kind of heavy pen, that provides real heft when I write.

 

In any case, I'd like to try to work with a fountain pen at times as well. (I'm also trying to improve my handwriting, because, while I can type 80 words per minute, the scrawl I write by hand is, well, hardly readable...)

 

So, any recommendations for a pen that might suit me, without going into the stratospheric prices of the Montblanc limited editions? I have to say, I have a weakness for those Montblancs, and I think I'm going to start building up a pen collection, but I'm not sure I want to commit to a fountain pen that costs that much right now.

 

Thanks,

 

Kirk

Edited December 2, 2016 by kirkmc

[jar]

Welcome home. Pull up a stump and set a spell.

 

Montblancs are nice but there are dozens of makers who produce fountain pens every bit as nice, some even nicer. A couple things to think about relate to how you will be using it. If taking relatively short notes separated by periods of not writing, a pen with a slip on or snap cap might be best. If one handed operation would be a key then one of the Vanishing Point pens would probably be best. If writing fairly extended sessions then lighter pens with wider sections would reduce fatigue.

 

So the first step is probably to tell us more about how you will be using the new pen.

 

Next, if you can get to London, there is an active group there that meet regularly for pens and pints. Find out when their next gathering will be held and drop in. Fondle as many pens as you can, folk will be happy to help you get to know what's available.

[kirkmc]

Thanks for the comments. I'm thinking that, for now, it will be occasional notes, and nothing more than a page or so at a time. But I may end up writing a lot more. In any case, it won't be the majority of my work.

 

I have large hands, so I prefer a fairly large pen. The Meisterstück I have is the larger model, but, unfortunately, when I bought it, I got what I assume is the broad nib; it's a bit too wide for my writing.

 

I also have to Graf von Faber Castell writing instruments: one rollerball, and one mechanical pencil. I like them, and even the pencil is fairly large compared to many mechanical pencils. I'm tempted to get their fountain pen; I like the Classic Range Pernambuco Platinum-Plated one...

 

But, for now, something cheaper is probably the best place to start. Any specific brands I could try where I won't be disappointed by the nibs?

[jar]

Remember there are lots and lots of great pens out there these days.

 

The regular Faber Castell pens seem to get lots of positive comments.

 

Another line to consider is the Platinum President pens, fairly large size and great nibs. The Platinum Century #3776 line is slightly smaller but also great nibs.

 

I've also had good luck with the Pilot 743 and 823 line of pens, again, full size and fabulous nibs. For ease of use look at the Pilot/Namaki Vanishing Point.

 

From Sailor there is the 1911 line but always check the size, they have little ones and larger ones.

[Chrissy]

Hello Kirk and welcome to FPN.

[OCArt]

Welcome to our little corner of the universe from a pen user in San Diego. I'm sure you will enjoy your time here Kirk.

[Helen350]

Glad you are part of FPN!

[Beauport]

Greetings and a warm welcome !

[janthony]

As has been noted, there are plenty of great, inexpensive options out there. You can find some decent pens for downright cheap, too. I hope you can find something to your liking. Welcome!

[CS388]

Hello and welcome to FPN

 

Have spent many years in Stratford and have picked up a few interesting and cheap pens in the Antiques Centre (behind the High St/off Ely St) and on the market stalls, on the weekend. It's always a long-shot, but you never know!

And if you've still got your 146, I wouldn't give up on it just yet. Wonderful pens.

 

Hope you enjoy your time here.

Regards.

[PAKMAN]

Hello and Welcome to FPN!! Glad to have you as a member!!

[mallymal1]

Hello Kirk...

 

Sound advice from Jar. Take your time, and enjoy the journey.

[kirkmc]

Hello and welcome to FPN

 

Have spent many years in Stratford and have picked up a few interesting and cheap pens in the Antiques Centre (behind the High St/off Ely St) and on the market stalls, on the weekend. It's always a long-shot, but you never know!

And if you've still got your 146, I wouldn't give up on it just yet. Wonderful pens.

 

Thanks. Given that it's Christmas, it might not be the time to look for pens. And, actually, I think the Antiques Centre might be closed right now; they're renovating that whole thing, turning it into a shopping center with a cinema. But I'll have a look.

 

As for the 146, the problem is that the nib is too broad, and it doesn't write well. When I look at the nib, I can see that the two parts aren't aligned correctly. I'm not sure if this is something I can fix by bending or not...

[matteob]

Nice part of the UK you come from. Certainly plenty of inspiration to pick up your pen. I type a lot too. I can't touch type but have my own reasonably effective system. However I have never been able to take notes or sketch out drafts on a computer. It has to be a pen or pencil. It feels like an extension of my arm. I have been using a Cross Century 2 fountain pen for the past 10 years. It writes ok, looks ok and was not that expensive (about £60) and has proved to be a good workhorse. I don't like anything too bulky or heavy.

[Wahl]

Hi Kirk

[Pen Nut]

Hello and welcome to you

[ThomasB]

Hello and welcome from Baton Rouge, Louisiana...Enjoy your time here

[Sasha Royale]

Welcome !

 

Most of my fountain pen writing is done at a desk. Among barns, and markets, and outdoor wanderings, and airplane cockpits, I used a pencil. I could always transcribe in ink. In the current day, I would also carry a "Sharpie" marker, as it can write on anything, from rocks to tree bark to skin.

[northstar]

Hello and welcome to FPN.