Newb: Best Pen for Quick-Drying Ink?

[cunctussum]

The title pretty much says it. I don't have much funds to inject into an uncertain cause, but I have been looking for a pen that could take quick-drying ink. The reason is simple - my ultimate dream is a water-proof fountain pen. The only pens I seem to find across the internet, that operate on waterproof ink, are "calligraphy" pens - with extremely broad nibs.

 

I guess I am looking for a pen with a hooded nib. So far, Parker 51 is all I know. I've read parts of this forum for some time. I also see that a lamy 2000 is partially hooded. Any other suggestions? I'm growing a little impatient. After all, there must be a reason why no one has "thought" of a waterproof fountain pen. As you've probably figured it out, I am exhibiting signs of an absolute newb.

 

PS: A smooth F nib is always very seductive.

Edited January 22, 2006 by cunctussum

[ednerdtheonly]

Hello there,

 

First off, welcome to this board. Everyone starts off as a newb anyways.

 

An overview of inks: Waterproof inks almost all are waterproof due to one key ingredient, shellac. Insoluble when dried, these inks will not only stay firm on your paper, but inside your pen as well. Stay away from these.

 

Your dream for a waterproof ink is shared by many here, and not too long ago, a fellow pen-collector, repairman, and ink expert developed a waterproof ink that doesn't rely on shellac. It reacts with the cellulose of paper to permanently bind with it, resulting in an ink that resists water, UV, acid attack, anything short of cutting the writing out of the paper. When this ink dries on anything else, plastic, the pen, it remains water soluble and washes off nicely.

 

The ink that I speak of is Noodler's Ink Eternal Black, made by Nathan Tardiff. He also makes many other inks, some permanent, others not, and one that is UV flourescent though invisible under normal lighting. Many online vendors carry his ink; check out Pendemonium.

 

So, you don't need a pen that can withstand fast drying inks. Rather, any fountain pen would do so long as you fill it with a permanent Noodler's ink. By the way, the two pens that you cited are excellent fountain pens, perhaps two of the finest designs ever. They are both workhorses that are well known for their simplicity of form and superb function.

 

Again, welcome to the board!

 

Edward T.