Gotta Try 'em All!

[BergerDM]

Hello everyone!

I'm starting in this hobby/obsession still, but ready to make a little more investment in it (I'm in college, so money ain't that free-flowing).

People often have their staple, every-day-writing, workhorse pens. I'm trying to find out what's my taste.

 

So I come to you! What are some pens, under $100 but preferably in the range of ~$50, that you think are good everyday pens, with Japanese M or F/European F or EF nis?

I've only tried so far starter pens:

 

- Pilot Metropolitan F

- Lamy Safari F

- Platinum Plaisir 03

- Pelikan Twist M (not my taste in nib size)

- Jinhao X750

- Pilot Penmanship EF (too scratchy)

 

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and if there is any more info you would like to make a better one, please ask!

[ParkerDuofold]

Hi BergerDM,

 

 

 

My advice is look into the following:

 

1. Platinum 3776 Century

 

2. Pelikan M-200

 

Both are phenomenal pens... the Platinum has a solid gold nib and a slip-n-seal cap... so it never dries out... and their mediums and broads write really smooth. Go to Amazon Japan, (or eBay Japan).

 

 

The Pelikan looks beautiful... is feather-light... is the most perfectly balanced pen I've ever held when posted... and holds a decent amount of ink... and replacement nibs can be purchased for around $12. Go to Cult Pens or Endless Pens.

 

Best of luck in picking a pen that will really ring your chimes.

 

 

Be well and enjoy life.

 

 

- Anthony

[ParkerDuofold]

Just to follow-up...

 

Both of my suggestions will be close to $100 USD, but they're both lifetime pens, so you're ROI will be excellent.

 

 

- A.C.

[sirgilbert357]

Hi BergerDM,

 

 

 

My advice is look into the following:

 

1. Platinum 3776 Century

 

2. Pelikan M-200

 

Both are phenomenal pens... the Platinum has a solid gold nib and a slip-n-seal cap... so it never dries out... and their mediums and broads write really smooth. Go to Amazon Japan, (or eBay Japan).

 

 

The Pelikan looks beautiful... is feather-light... is the most perfectly balanced pen I've ever held when posted... and holds a decent amount of ink... and replacement nibs can be purchased for around $12. Go to Cult Pens or Endless Pens.

 

Best of luck in picking a pen that will really ring your chimes.

 

 

Be well and enjoy life.

 

 

- Anthony

Replacement M200 nibs can be bought for only 12 bucks??? Where?

 

I would suggest almost anything by Pilot in your price range.

 

I'd have a look at Lamy too, but just know that their nibs run wider than the Japanese. Generally speaking, Lamy XF = Japanese F or Medium/Fine. So if you really prefer Japanese XF, don't bother with Lamy, and maybe not *any* Euro pen makers, lol. Depends on your tolerances, ink and paper choice...

 

Also, anything from Platinum in your price range should be decent.

 

I see you have some of these brands already, so you're on the right track..

Edited May 30, 2019 by sirgilbert357

[ParkerDuofold]

Replacement M200 nibs can be bought for only 12 bucks??? Where?

Hi SG,

 

Cult Pens sells the gold-plated M200 nibs for £10, ($12), and the chrome-plated M205 nibs for £7, (around $9).

 

https://www.cultpens.com/i/q/PK22188/pelikan-m200-replacement-nib

 

 

Be well.

 

 

- Anthony

 

 

ETA: And if you live outside of Europe and can dodge the VAT, they're even less!

Edited May 30, 2019 by ParkerDuofold

[Mech-for-i]

instead of asking which pen is good, ask which pen is doing the part that suite your need in a day to day usage .. does the environment you are in being hostile or friendly to fountain pen and in what fashion, do you need a pen that can take some abuse ( that might mean needing metal construction or better still heavy brass , and not just composite material ) ; do you need it quick in capping, uncapping ( screw cap never quick ) , do you clip it to your pants and shirts and need to carry it along that way or do you put them in your bag / briefcase / backpack ( the clip design and pen durability / resistance to wear and tear would be a factor ) ; do you intend to use it intensively ( then ink capacity and how it fills matter ) ; do you write long session ( likely as a student I say, so ergonomics and weight is really going to influence ) .. and all the little thing you need a pen used day to day, day in day out in your usage, yours specifics .. laid out that and start ticking all the box

 

The nib width actually being the least needed concern ; cause you will always end up with a list of pens and one or some of them will have a tipping grind that suite you ( likely )

 

generally I do not advice to buy the really top dollar pen for starter unless every thing is right for that and usually they are not ... instead look for mid to mid / workhorse range of pens, they are in general designed to be that workhorse , they might not had the glamour, but likely they do a decent and sterling service and likely can do it for years and years to come providing you made proper maintenance ; I would want to agree with having a gold nib pen, but I've been collage student myself too and know how student life can sometime be chaotic you will swear to yourself if and when you forge your pen in the auditorium, or canteen or library ; you might want instead something that just work and work and you can feel less stressed if and ever it got into some situation(s) .. how about dropping into the pot cooking ( yes I did once drop my fountain pen into the pot cooking .. )

 

With your list I would most likely recommend Platinum Plaisir, and the big reason behind that other than it check all the right clicks, is the existence of Platinum Preppy, go out and buy the 0.2 and 0.5 Preppy and you will have 2 extra spare section / feed / nib and likely with that your budget would still leave enough to get the ink converter, and some ink .. its just that ; the Plasir is an unsung workhorse

Edited May 30, 2019 by Mech-for-i

[ParkerDuofold]

...With your list I would most likely recommend Platinum Plaisir, and the big reason behind that other than it check all the right click, is the existence of Platinum Preppy, go out and buy the 0.2 and 0.5 Preppy and you will have 2 extra spare section / feed / nib and likely with that your budget would still leave enough to get the ink converter, and some ink .. its just that the Plasir is an unsung workhorse

Hi Mech,

 

You're no fun... ...you've recommended a pen he already owns.

 

 

 

- Anthony

 

 

P.S.: SirGilbert, et al,... here's a link for the 205:

 

https://www.cultpens.com/i/q/PK52661/pelikan-m215---m205-replacement-nib

[inkstainedruth]

Thanks for the link -- I had also been wondering about the low price on those Pelikan nibs.

Yeah, Cult Pens is good. Free international shipping above a certain price point, and no VAT charges if you're in the US. And their prices seem to be pretty good in general. I got my Sailor Pro Gear Slim Purple Cosmos from them, and it was cheaper than any of the US dealers (I had been holding out on getting one because I couldn't justify the cost of that color over one of the standard colors).

As for the OP's question, you might want to look vintage. Parker 51 Aerometrics can often be found in the price range you're looking at, and they are well-built and well-designed pens that often only need to be flushed out well to get back into writing condition. (They were Parker's flagship model for 20 years for a reason.... ).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[BergerDM]

instead of asking which pen is good, ask which pen is doing the part that suite your need in a day to day usage .. does the environment you are in being hostile or friendly to fountain pen and in what fashion, do you need a pen that can take some abuse ( that might mean needing metal construction or better still heavy brass , and not just composite material ) ; do you need it quick in capping, uncapping ( screw cap never quick ) , do you clip it to your pants and shirts and need to carry it along that way or do you put them in your bag / briefcase / backpack ( the clip design and pen durability / resistance to wear and tear would be a factor ) ; do you intend to use it intensively ( then ink capacity and how it fills matter ) ; do you write long session ( likely as a student I say, so ergonomics and weight is really going to influence ) .. and all the little thing you need a pen used day to day, day in day out in your usage, yours specifics .. laid out that and start ticking all the box

 

I can answer those questions, no problem!

 

I use my pens mostly indoors. I'm a college student as I stated before so I use them for note-taking both for classes and for my internship. At home I use them for journaling. I have plans to use them outside as well for quicker notes and thought-trapping, but I'd have no problem having a pen just for that (in fact, one day I hope to be able to grab myself a Kaweco Liliput Fire Blue exactly for that purpose). I take care of my pens, whenever possible carrying them in individual pockets for pen cases in my backpack. I do write for long periods of time and usually away from my inks, but I find wieght has very little bearing for me on whether I can write more or less time with a pen - obviously a pen that serves as a sturdy paper weight would, but I haven't found one of those yet.

 

Thanks for replying and hope you can present some suggestions as well!

[BergerDM]

Thanks for the link -- I had also been wondering about the low price on those Pelikan nibs.

Yeah, Cult Pens is good. Free international shipping above a certain price point, and no VAT charges if you're in the US. And their prices seem to be pretty good in general. I got my Sailor Pro Gear Slim Purple Cosmos from them, and it was cheaper than any of the US dealers (I had been holding out on getting one because I couldn't justify the cost of that color over one of the standard colors).

As for the OP's question, you might want to look vintage. Parker 51 Aerometrics can often be found in the price range you're looking at, and they are well-built and well-designed pens that often only need to be flushed out well to get back into writing condition. (They were Parker's flagship model for 20 years for a reason.... ).

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

 

Unfortunately I'm in the postal black hole of Brazil - there is a reason many stores do not ship here, or if they do it's only the most expensive and covered options of shipping!

 

I have been eyeing a 51 Cocoa EF nib near me (2 states over) for some time now, but here their price is near doubled - this one is going for what would translate as $220. They're definitely on my mind, but I wanted to see what else is there to get a good overall view on pens so I'd hav more comparison basis for my choices. I know nothing beats personal experience, so I'm trying to gather what I can and those that do not agree with me I'll resell, most probably, or gift to someone!

 

Thanks for the reply!

[pajaro]

I have gone through this routine, have a pen you like, so try 'em all. I don't like most of them, but don't find the energy yet to sell them. I feel like a hoarder.

 

Get out while the getting is good.

[BergerDM]

I have gone through this routine, have a pen you like, so try 'em all. I don't like most of them, but don't find the energy yet to sell them. I feel like a hoarder.

 

Get out while the getting is good.

 

After complying with all the steps of Marie Kondo's decluttering process, I can say I'm not a hoarder my any means - not anymore, at least. I kept around 30% of my stuff, sold what I could from the rest (books, games etc.), donated what was left. I'm good with letting things go, fortunately!

[Noihvo]

[senzen]

Of my 29 pens almost all were well under $100, although I got them in the US (bigger market with more choices) and sometimes took months for someone to bring them.

 

Almost no-brainers:

 

Muji aluminimium, F x4. Good looking, reliable, easy to clean.

Lamy Vista F, M x7.

Pilot Metropolitan M x1.

 

Nice design with quirks:

 

Lamy Studio EF, F x4. I had to admit those with chrome sections were not getting as much use, which can be remedied by sanding them with care.

 

Used better pens: timeless design, even more reliable, don't evaporate as quickly:

 

Parker 75 F x1.

Pelikan m205 F x1.

 

These two usually sell for close to or more than $100, but patience and coupons paid off, so you now know it's possible to get them for around $60.

 

I have other pens that work well but require more effort so I wouldn't consider them workhorses, e.g. Parker Sonnets are good pens but evaporate like crazy, and are very much pirated so you need to make sure you're getting the real thing.

 

You might want to look at the Faber Castell Ambition (I have the pearwood which is usually around $100, the black one is around $60), I really like their design, and the Lamy Aion, which I find really bland.

 

In europe you can come across old German piston filler pens.

[inkstainedruth]

 

Unfortunately I'm in the postal black hole of Brazil - there is a reason many stores do not ship here, or if they do it's only the most expensive and covered options of shipping!

 

I have been eyeing a 51 Cocoa EF nib near me (2 states over) for some time now, but here their price is near doubled - this one is going for what would translate as $220. They're definitely on my mind, but I wanted to see what else is there to get a good overall view on pens so I'd hav more comparison basis for my choices. I know nothing beats personal experience, so I'm trying to gather what I can and those that do not agree with me I'll resell, most probably, or gift to someone!

 

Thanks for the reply!

 

Youch! I've never paid anything like that price for a 51, even including repairs on the 51 Vacs. And that's nearly DOUBLE what I paid on an English-made Navy Gray Aerometric a couple of summers ago at the Saturday evening auction at the Triangle Pen Show (and I only bid because of the nib) -- and the price I paid included the buyers' premium.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

[BergerDM]

Saturday I'll be getting my TWSBI Go, which was the most inexpensive model they had with an F nib! That should give me a good sample of TWSBI's style. I very much like the 580 in looks, but could not invest that much into something I did not know. The only 580 round here I could find was around $150, the ECOs $75.

[BergerDM]

Youch! I've never paid anything like that price for a 51, even including repairs on the 51 Vacs. And that's nearly DOUBLE what I paid on an English-made Navy Gray Aerometric a couple of summers ago at the Saturday evening auction at the Triangle Pen Show (and I only bid because of the nib) -- and the price I paid included the buyers' premium.

Ruth Morrisson aka inkstainedruth

You see, the funny thing is since there was a Parker factory in Brazil once upon a time I thought I'd be able to find them at a good price. Turns out they go for triple what a made in USA does. Another factor that makes it more expensive (I believe) is the EF nib as there aren't that many in these parts.

[MCN]

Here are a couple off the beaten path recommendations:

 

One of my all time favorite pens is the LAMY accent. In the aluminum finish with steel nib it can be had for a little over $60.

 

Another terrific pen is the TWSBI Precision. I dont have a smoother or more reliable pen for $80.

 

Both are a nice step up from starter pens.

Edited May 30, 2019 by MCN

[Maurizio]

In my experience good sub-$100.00 pens:

 

- Platinum Balance - get a medium nib

- Pilot Lucina - ditto

The Lucina is an excellent under-appreciated pen with a smooth steel nib. It LOOKS like a miniaturized version of a Pilot Custom 845. Comes in 4 colors. The only possible downside that I see for some users is that it is a somewhat smallish pen. So, if you have big hands, it is probably not for you, but if you fall within an average range of handsize this is a really great pen at a reasonable price. Available from Japanese sellers on Amazon. I have bought 2 with no problems in the transaction.

 

Not quite as smooth in writing experience as either 2 above, but still a surprisingly decent writer, is the Jinhao 159. Now available in a variety of colors and around $10.00. If you don’t mind a big, heavy pen, this could be your daily workhorse.

 

Having had and sold 2 Lamy Safaris, for me the above pens are all better writers. This is without doubt a subjective opinion. Many love their Safaris. You have tried one so you have some experience with that pen.

 

Have fun.

[biancitwo]

Hi BergerDM,

 

 

 

My advice is look into the following:

 

1. Platinum 3776 Century

 

2. Pelikan M-200

 

Both are phenomenal pens... the Platinum has a solid gold nib and a slip-n-seal cap... so it never dries out... and their mediums and broads write really smooth. Go to Amazon Japan, (or eBay Japan).

 

 

The Pelikan looks beautiful... is feather-light... is the most perfectly balanced pen I've ever held when posted... and holds a decent amount of ink... and replacement nibs can be purchased for around $12. Go to Cult Pens or Endless Pens.

 

Best of luck in picking a pen that will really ring your chimes.

 

 

Be well and enjoy life.

 

 

- Anthony

Excellent choices. These two are fine pens. They will still write and feel like fine pens years later. If you need knock around pens, get Pilot Varsity. Absurd how well they write.