Seeking Recommendation For A Friend

[stephanos]

I am looking for a good pen to give a friend.

We meet up a few times a year and I want to give him something that he will like and actually use. He would mostly use it at work and it would need to be something fairly conservatively styled and absolutely reliable.

 

A few years ago we were talking and (surprise!) the subject turned to pens. It turned out that was using and enjoying the Pilot V-pen/Varsity. But he wasn't so keen on disposables, and was very open to something more stylish and business-appropriate. So, sticking with the understated pens and Japanese nib theme, I gave him a Pilot Custom Heritage 91 with a F-M nib. He likes the aesthetics OK, but doesn't enjoy writing with it so much. He subsequently tried a Platinum Preppy (M) and really liked the nib. He was not so keen on the Lamy 2000; neither did the Pelikan 200 range float his boat.

 

The nib size will matter. He has small and precise handwriting, which is why I went for a F-M in the first place. I don't think anything wider than a Japanese Medium line would be suitable.

Given the ease of cleaning, I am leaning towards a cartridge/converter pen over (say) a piston-filler.

I am certain he wouldn't regularly use a really girthy pen.

Also, I suspect he would prefer the ritual of unscrewing the cap over the ease of a snap-cap, though this is a mild preference.

 

My current thinking is therefore that he might do well with a black Platinum 3776 with a Medium nib.

I also thought of a Sailor ProGear with medium nib, but that costs more than twice the price of the basic 3776 and whilst I'm interested in finding a good match, that price-difference is an issue.

 

 

Do you have any other suggestions?

[DasKaltblut]

Platinum Plaisir! - They stay inked forever and don't dry out - had one sit for 2 years and stil started right away. Styling is conservative, and they are hard to break, use the same nib unit as a preppy (can be swapped out) and not expensive.

Edited January 13, 2018 by DasKaltblut

[Mech-for-i]

He like the Preppy, and he write small and precise, well that probably mean he's after more positive feedback and harder nib instead of the typical asking for smoothness and softness. So come this, Platinum 3776 Century in that classic black seems the natural choice but I would gravitate towards the F nib. Now if slimmer and snap on cap work, Platinum got their Sheep series ( PS-10000N ) that's the leather cladded pen , very nice classy ones, can be had with Fine or Medium nib , should price the same as the 3776 Century; or for same price the Vicoh PTL-10000 same type of slimmer body and snap on cap but in Resin in classic Black or Burgundy , now with very nice 18K nib.

 

Some of the Pilot models in the similar price range are really nice too but of course only if it feel right in the user's hand. Sailor Promenade 11-1033 / 11-1031 model actually had the same 14K nib as their Pro Gear or Profit but priced similar as the 3776 Century and the classic black can be had with gold or chrome trim

[inotrym]

He seems to like nails. I think the Pro Gear idea is superb. Or the Sapporo if you need something less expensive.

 

I have to say that I also LOVE my Metropolitan Lizard. Yes, it's way cheaper than the CH91, but it is work appropriate, the finish is gorgeous and it looks good with any color of ink I can imagine, the nib is nice, fine and stiff just the way I like it. It is worth more than double the price in my opinion (don't tell Pilot, though)

 

Good job on enabling another one!

[minddance]

Preppy02. Had mine for abt 2years, always inked and never cleaned. This is the pen that will make me forget abt the pen and concentrate on the writing.

[hari317]

Consider the Platinum PTL-5000A or the Pilot FK-700R-B