Richards Pens

[OldGriz]

I'd be interested in seeing more public negative criticism of....anything, really. This is a pretty positive-only website, which is not a bad thing, it's just harder to see the whole picture sometimes.

 

That said, after receiving a pen back from one grinding provider (anonymous, of course) worse than it began, I've decided to join the RB waiting list.

 

i didn't criticize mr binder, i only answer the OP's question about anyone having any experience with richard's pens (or something to that effect).

 

I have a bad habit of using words in their most literal way: negative criticism = unsatisfactory experience. It was also more of a general observation, plus I was moody last night. All I really meant was that it'd be interesting to read more detailed accounts of what was not absolutely perfect.

 

I can understand what you are saying, but in the case of Richard Binder, I doubt very very much you are going to find anyone who has anything negative to say about his service..

Richard is, IMO, one of the best dealers in the fountain pen industry today... his customer service is second to none....

 

 

[ctakim]

I can only cite my personal experience of buying a new M600 Pelikan from Richardspens.com. The fine nib wrote a bit broad and wet, so Mr. Binder took it back and adjusted it and returned it to me on a very quick turn around. As a relative fountain pen novice, it is well worth it to buy a pen from a nibmeister who stands behind his products.

[offbase]

Does anyone have any experience with Richards pens i am looking for a real good full flex for copperpalte writing - having banged my head trying to find a vintage sample - i was thinking of buying one of his pens with this nib

 

Pelikan M250 nib, reground to XXXF, full flex added

 

I have had exactly that pen/nib comination for nearly three years, now. It writes like vintage. Absolutely perfect. I have another M200 with a .5mm crisp Italic coming to me in (hopefully) tomorrow's mail delivery from Richard. I have bought 3 custom nibs from Richard with a 4th on the way, and lemme tell ya, they are all perfect. The only "problem" I ever had was with a new pen I purchased from him, that was ink starved and skippier than hell. I still have it and have yet to write with it because it's so annoying. BUT, my guess is that he didn't get a chance to tune it before shipping and, in any event, I never even brought it to his attention. If I had, I'm sure he would have addressed it pronto.

 

I don't think you can go wrong purchasing that pen from Richard. And, having written hundreds of pages with mine over the course of three years, I can tell you that -- despite some goofy, unfounded "theories" I've read around here -- it still performs just as well as it did the day I first inked it up.

[Maria]

Dear DavidSpitzer;

 

I've attached a 'Flex Chart' with the fountain pens I have.

 

Hopefully, it will be of help.

 

The Swan's nib - Edward [icon cross with 4 in the middle] Jenkins nib; is not the nib you would find normally. No idea what happened to it but; this nib isn't very flexible compared to the Waterman #12 and #32A-V. The Waterman #52 is a family heirloom; and 'almost' as flexy/springy as the #12 & #32A-V. All three Watermans have Waterman nibs and, I didn't see any hint to markings if it was a full flex, semi-flex, etc.

 

The Namiki Falcon-Fine point "Superior Flex" --can never match the flexibility of Richard Binder's Full Flex nibs and or the vintage nibs and or dip pen (which has the advantage of not having a feed to worry about).

 

The Namiki is a modern pen. I don't know if Richard can improve on a Namiki Falcon's flexibility but, I'm sure he could or at least guide you to someone he would trust to full flex a Falcon.

 

The Pelikans - are both modern models; that I bought custom made directly from Mr. Binder. You can see the xxfp and the xxxfp.

 

Now, these samples with flexing the nib, was written on a sheet of computer printer typing paper. I don't know why it is so 'blown up' but--at least you don't have to wear eye glasses to read my hen scratch. :ltcapd:

 

I have tremors so, the wavy writing is not due to the pens--its me. I think it can be confused as my writing this during an earthquake. :ltcapd:

 

Richard - Sorry my handwriting never does justice to how smooth (as a baby's bottom) your nibs write--.

 

Red-Dip nib, using Sheaffer's Skript -RED (Vintage bottle 1940-50's)

Pelikans - Written with Waterman's Black ink on the xxfp and Waterman's Blue on the xxxfp

Waterman #52 and Swan written with Sheaffer's Script -Royal Blue (vintage bottle) and dipped (because both pens are broken in their filling do-hickies and Dr. Binder hasn't worked on these heirlooms yet)

Waterman #12 and #32A-4; are new arrivals to me--bought for flexibility nibs and had ink in them already. Ink unknown.

 

Respectfully,

Maria

 

Does anyone have any experience with Richards pens i am looking for a real good full flex for copperpalte writing - having banged my head trying to find a vintage sample - i was thinking of buying one of his pens with this nib

 

Pelikan M250 nib, reground to XXXF, full flex added

Edited November 28, 2008 by Maria

[sharonspens]

[Maria, Impressive writing, across the board!]

 

For the record, since I met him I have purchased one pen from Richard (at a pen show), purchased one Condor nib, had another nib ground to a cursive, and had at least three pens adjusted over the years. Some of those were done at the pen show while I waited, while others were sent out for the long, very long, wait in the queue. In every case, Richard adjusted my pens to my liking. In two cases I sent them back for readjusting; they returned quickly and to my exact specifications, along with an explanation of the problem and how to avoid having it happen again. I would not hesitate to send a pen to him for repair, or to buy a pen from him again. I am willing to pay good money for great service and a personal touch, and the Binder family provides that.

 

Sharon in Indiana

 

 

 

[Maria]

Dear sharonspens;

 

Awwwwwwwwwww thank you.

 

Respectfully,

Maria

 

[Maria, Impressive writing, across the board!]

 

For the record, since I met him I have purchased one pen from Richard (at a pen show), purchased one Condor nib, had another nib ground to a cursive, and had at least three pens adjusted over the years. Some of those were done at the pen show while I waited, while others were sent out for the long, very long, wait in the queue. In every case, Richard adjusted my pens to my liking. In two cases I sent them back for readjusting; they returned quickly and to my exact specifications, along with an explanation of the problem and how to avoid having it happen again. I would not hesitate to send a pen to him for repair, or to buy a pen from him again. I am willing to pay good money for great service and a personal touch, and the Binder family provides that.

 

Sharon in Indiana

 

[PeterBeoworld]

I have a M200 with full flex XXF nib from Richard. I live in the UK and therefore had the additional expense of paying import duty. I still think I have purchased a complete bargain and will be doing so again - I may well go for an Aurora this time! Very impressed with every aspect of my dealings with Richard's Pens.