Teach me about fountain pens

A friend of mine recently introduced me into the world of fountain pens with a simple Pilot Varsity. However with a little looking around I see that the market for fountain pens is just as big as it is for watches. I love the way that a good fountain pen writes especially for fine print such as log books or accounting books. Needless to say Im a little over whelmed as to whats good whats crap whats over priced etc etc.

 

I am a pen nut.....and all I can say is that it comes down to perosnal taste and how your hand is shaped, how you grip the pen, how much you sweat, what weight you like, etc, that determines where you go to buy them.

I like heavier and larger non-metallic pens for example.......can't stand Mont Blancs or Cross.......

 

Best place to go is www.fountainpennetwork.com

There is a huge variety of pens to try. If you can find a local store to try different ones out, it is probably your best bet.

My two favorites are the Omas 360 and the Pilot/Namiki vanishing point.

Although honestly, I rarely use a fountain pen anymore- Most of my work is on the computer, and I rarely take notes at meetings, relying on the minutes. Mostly just jot stuff down here and there, and I just use whatever pen I have around.

Dom

 

I have several Parker sterling silver and Mont Blanc fountain pens. I also rarely use them as everything is on the computer, or I have to wirte fast and fountain pens to me dont lend themselves to quick note taking... especially with my handwriting!

I know Mont Blanc are over rated, however each pen was a present so they have a lot of sentemental value. I guess I have about 6 -7 pens at last count. I have an old 1930's bakelite fountain pen - cheapie back then but it actually writes really nice! I have the whole purple ink thing going on, and have my own blend of Pelikin ink done for my style of writing and personal nibs.

 

My Neighbor is a very knowledgable pen dealer who specializes in fountain pens.
Check out his site at
www.speerbob.com
You can contact him thru the website with any questions.
Very honest guy.
Ron

 

Ok I am a little bit confused now.
Does a converter filling system mean that it was made for cartridges but can be converted to take bottled ink or vice versa.

 

I've heard good things about the vanishing point, but how do you find having the clip so close to where you grip the pen?

 

Yes. Many cartridge pens come with a little converter that can be used to take up bottled ink. So, you can use the cartridges, or the converter. Also, if you want, you can use a syringe to refill cartridges.

Here's a web page that shows how to use a typical converter:

http://www.jetpens.com/cms.php/content/Article:_How_to_Use_a_Fountain_Pen_Converter

I don't have any issues with the clip, but have heard that others do. Best thing to do is to try one if you can before purchasing it.

Dom

 

Thanks, I just picked up a Fuliwen Stainless Steel Diamond, just a cheapo to make sure its something i can deal with it.

Danny

 

After 20+ years of collecting, I've learned they're pricey. And, they've only ever increased.

For those who don't think too much of Mont Blanc, I assume you're forgetting about their limited production pens.

CW

 

Old Parker 41s and 51s write very nicely 61s don't work.

Regards,

Art S.

 

My favorite is the 4th of July!
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Thanks for everyones help I got my pen today and man do I love it!