Recommend A Modern Pen Under $100?

[Bo Bo Olson]

""""but I also don't want to pay $100 for a plastic pen with a steel nib when I can buy that basic setup for $10 from China.""""

 

Odd I really don't consider a 200 or 400 or even my 1005....plastic pens....they are of course.....but I got lots and lots of them some from the '50's-60's....90's and a few modern ones. Very few metal pens, which outside the P-75 are light. There are some aluminum that are.....but really aluminum is not all that sturdy for sitting on.

Shirt pockets were invented for fountain pens @ 1895. Pen cases are nice for folks who are so fashion driven they refuse to have shirts with pockets.

 

Brass based pens are on the whole heavy, and many are clunky.

 

Well if you treat a 'plastic' fountain pen like a cheap ball point.....get metal.....

 

So many noobies, arrive thinking a fountain pen must be heavy and metal to last a few years longer than a metal ball point.

Many do go to plastic...eventually....haven't done a survey but could put that at 90% as a WOG....maybe even more.

 

I do have a nail steel nibbed metal Cross Townsend I got on sale for E100....gold nib which is also a nail costs a lot more. I don't use it much, first it's a nail, second I find it clunky. What can one expect from a Large, heavy, metal pen?

 

I find the 200 to be a light and nimble pen for all day writing...and posted it is not small, neither is it's older twin, the 400. It is thinner than some want....but spend more money and get a 600...or a fat 800.

The 200 (or 400/600/800/1000) can be used inherited and used by your grandkids.

How many of your $10 Chinese pens will be?

I have as I said, a good double hand full of '50-60s.....Plastic pens.....by MB, Pelikan, Geha, Osmia and other lesser known pens. Plastic if not sat on, lasts for a life time or more.

 

 

Of course if you want to carry pens in your pants pocket ....like a ball point pen or use your book bag to make three corner carom shots; metal pens are good. Kaweco has made short sturdy plastic pens since the mid '30's and are now making metal pens of the same model.

[Freddy]

I've never done this before, but I would love some suggestions for a pen I might buy for myself. I have not bought a pen of any real worth since last December, and I have purposely held off until now to even consider it (my way of saving and having patience).

 

But now I would like to consider treating myself to a new pen, under $100 USD.

 

 

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thx.

 

--TSherbs

Re: Modern under $100 usd.

 

For your consideration a Bexley from Howard Levy..currently on ebay bexlevy has quite a few with free fast shipping

for under a C-Note......Mosey on over to bexlevy on ebay.................Buy with confidence.

Fred

[sandy101]

I like my Italix Parson's Essential. The fact that you can pretty much get a nib of your choice is good.

 

It fits nicely in my hand and is a very well tuned nib. It's heavier than the others you mention being made of lacquered brass.

 

The #3776 is also nice, but is more expensive than the Parson's. It's much lighter in the hand and the 14K nib is good. The nib grips the paper a bit - it is not buttery smooth like the Italix is, but then I don't think it is supposed to be.

[TSherbs]

I like my Italix Parson's Essential. The fact that you can pretty much get a nib of your choice is good.

 

It fits nicely in my hand and is a very well tuned nib. It's heavier than the others you mention being made of lacquered brass.

 

The #3776 is also nice, but is more expensive than the Parson's. It's much lighter in the hand and the 14K nib is good. The nib grips the paper a bit - it is not buttery smooth like the Italix is, but then I don't think it is supposed to be.

I own a P.E., and I like it, too.

 

The #3776 is a possibility.

[Xeros]

Faber-Castel Loom is a solid pen in my opinion, fantastic writer for it's price!

Other pens in that price range that don't get mentioned much, but I really enjoy using are the Opus 88 and Karas Customs.

I really like the Opus in particular, it has a great ink capacity which holds well in long writing sessions.

Edited June 29, 2018 by Xeros

[TSherbs]

I owned a Loom and sold it because it hurt my hand. I can't use those tapered sections (like the Lamy 2000).

[Bo Bo Olson]

That's two you sold because it hurt your hand..........more than likely you are holding the pen wrong and have a bad case of Death Grip. .................and defiantly way too hard.

Do look that up. There are many threads on that.

 

In in the resent thread, 'How do you hold your pen?', is an alternative, the 'forefinger up' method, an automatic light grip. Takes three minutes to learn how, and a few days of alternating between your old style and it, until you have changed.

Help! How Do You Hold Your Fountain Pen?

Edited June 29, 2018 by Bo Bo Olson

[TSherbs]

Thanks BoBo, but I am still exploring new pen purchase ideas. But no rush here....

[Bo Bo Olson]

Death Grip (& the deadly Kung Fu Thumb pinch) will effect any pen.......even ball points!!!!

 

The only advice I can give you is to hold the pen light as if it was a featherless baby bird.

Death Grip makes baby bird paste.

Edited June 29, 2018 by Bo Bo Olson

[MuddyWaters]

You have a lot of good pens. Do you need another?

[alexwi]

You have a lot of good pens. Do you need another?

 

And that's how one becomes an outcast in a place like this.

 

;-) alex

[TSherbs]

You have a lot of good pens. Do you need another?

no, I don't

 

I do not need any of them

[corgicoupe]

The Esterbrook J is hard to beat for versatility. The Aurora Ipsilon is a nice new plastic pen for < $100, and the Retro 51 Tornado is quite good for a lacquer over brass [assumed]. Get the extended version so you can use a piston converter. Note: the Aurora will accept a $10 Parker piston converter.

[Steveg58]

You have a lot of good pens. Do you need another?

 

It isn't about need ... it's about how big is your overdraft?

[TSherbs]

... The Aurora Ipsilon is a nice new plastic pen for < $100....

The reviews for this are very positive. But the best colors are more like $120 now.

[Steveg58]

Ok the WSG is really sounding like a good option and itd be cool to put together my own synth. How long would you say it takes for a beginer to make?

 

The WSG is not really suggested for beginners. But if you can solder reasonably well go for it. Allow a couple of weeks.

 

Do you have a solder pen?

Edited June 30, 2018 by Steveg58

[TSherbs]

The WSG is not really suggested for beginners. But if you can solder reasonably well go for it. Allow a couple of weeks.

 

Do you have a solder pen?

I am pretty sure you guys have posted in the wrong thread.

[Steveg58]

I am pretty sure you guys have posted in the wrong thread.

 

I'm sure he did, I'm just amused that I know what he is talking about. Surely referencing a solder pen brings it back on topic, especially as you can get one for under $100

Edited June 30, 2018 by Steveg58

[AL01]

Thx, AL01. I own an Esterbrook J. Awesome pen. I also own a Pilot 74 and a Decimo. I also own a Parker Vacumatic. I like all these (in my top price range), but I don't want more pens like them--one in a type is good enough for me.

 

Yep.

 

That's how I roll too.

 

I don't like excess.

 

Not at all.

 

I am, however, quite content with my Estie and my Safari for steel - nib pens.

 

I have heard good things about Faber Castell and Diplomat steel nibs.

[bongo47]

On eBay you can buy direct from the makers of Bexley. They make some large pens at that price point. Ive got one and love it.