What's a decent fountain pen?

[Jux]

We want to get dd a fountain pen as a graduation present. We can't spend silly money, so no Mont Blancs etc. Anyone know who makes really good pens? Recommendations?

[Caterpillau]

What is your budget? For a good, traditional British maker I'd suggest Yard O Led, some gorgeous pens with gold nibs around the £300-400 mark.

[GoodVibesHere]

Lamy is a decent make, my DC got on well with the Lamy Safari.

[GoodVibesHere]

Oh sorry I didn't read properly and thought you were after a starter pen for a younger child! I'm sure others will be along to recommend a good 'gift' pen.

[Sewingdufus]

Lamy was recommended by my children’s school. They are good and they do more expensive pens as well as ones more suitable for school.
I’ve always liked Schaeffer too.

[Jux]

Thank you!

She's 23, so I want something that could conceivably last her for life. She still uses the one we got her in primary school and she likes it, but I wanted something to mark her adulthood and independence as Graduation is all of that. Not expressing myself well.

I'm thinking £200-300 budget (dh may be thinking something else of course, I can never pin him down tiresome man!). I don't think we've ever spent as much as that on her in one go, so it will be special.

I think something elegant and classic....but she might like something funky just as well. So hard to choose!

[Pedallleur]

If its new something like a Lamy 2000 or a Pelikan 200 or 400. Cartridge or piston filler? Parker Sonnet are ok. Lamy 2000 always gets great reviews

Have a look at the Cult Pens site

[HelloSunshine12]

I think it's really subjective. I got a lovely fountain pen for my 16th but it just doesn't feel nice to write with. It's too scratchy for me.

I've got a very old waterman that I adore. It was my dad's and I pinched it at some point (no longer in contact). Amazing pen. Not helpful, sorry! But I do think fountain pens are super personal.

[Craftsandgardens]

Waterman do good pens, in a range of budgets.

[toastofthetown]

It’s really subjective. I like small pans so I’d want something like a Sailor Pro Gear or Pro Gear Slim as I love the pretty colourways they do. I’ve attached a picture of one of my favourite of their recent series, but they are constantly coming out with new editions. If you want a cheap option to gauge the size of the PGS, a Jinhao 82 has identical dimensions and costs about £3. Sailor nibs do give more feedback though (like wrong with a pencil ) which some people like and some don’t. A Pilot Capless or Decimo might be a good option too.

I’d try to drop into conversation what she might like, as I love fountain pens but if someone got me a black cigar shaped fountain pen, I’d be disappointed. They are so dull and generic to me even if other people find them classic and timeless.

[Spanielsarepainless]

I have two Cross fountain pens, both beautiful and I use them for everything as I loathe ballpoint pens.

[toastofthetown]

I’d also get her a converter with it, and a couple of tester size bottles of ink. My personal favourite ink is Herbin’s Rouille d’Ancre.

[AmbleInAnnBoleyn]

A vintage parker 45 is an elegant pen.

[Blueuggboots]

I've got a Waterman pen, I love it! I've had it since I was 20 and I use it all the time.

[newtb]

Lamy Safari are great. I'm left-handed and have a lefty nib on it. Not a single 'scratch' in nearly 30 years.

[RhymingGuitars]

I think surprising someone with a fountain pen is a bad idea.

You can't gauge how it will feel in the recipients hand. Is it:
too big, too small?
too heavy/ light/ unbalanced in their hand?
what kind of nib do they like- fine, medium?
Do they prefer cartridges or bottled ink - do you need to get a convertor.

It's a lovely gift, but not one to randomly present to someone. If she really wants one, take her shopping for it and let her choose

[SunnySomer]

I was given a waterman when I graduated (1992) and still use it now. It writes beautifully and always has.

[Verv]

Conway Stewart are great. So are Sailor Professional Gear (but as they are Japanese remember to go for a wide nib which will be the uk equivalent of a medium)
Pelikan also very good.

[TwitTwoodiniEscapeOwlogist]

The Pilot 823 is a super pen. Usually £285 from the "Cult Pens" website, but they've also got 10% off at the moment. (I'm not linked to them in any way, but I've bought quite a few pens and inks from there as I love a fountain pen, and their service has always been very good.) The filling mechanism on the 823 is a bit idiosyncratic, and you have to take note that you unscrew the top a couple of millimentres before you write. (It's a safety feature that helps to stop it leaking when you're not using it).

The Nahvalur Nautilus bronze corydoras fountain pen (also on the "Cult Pens" site) is one of my favourite pens as well, and that costs a lot less as it's £90. But it's very stylish with round ink windows like portholes and looks very steampunk and writes beautifully.

There's a review of the Pilot 823 on YouTube with it's cons and pros

[hilariousnamehere]

My graduation gift from my parents was a Cross Townsend and I treasure it, and use it regularly 16 years later - it's one of my favourite presents ever!

I would say make sure she can change the nib on whatever you do buy unless you already know what she prefers - I'm hunting down a broad nib for mine as I much prefer that day to day.

It's a lovely thing to do for her graduation 💙

[MyMachineAndMe]

I have a scrivener and I love it but I do agree that I wouldn't surprise someone with a fountain pen as they are such a personal item. Tell her what you're thinking and go together so she can test and choose the pen she wants.

[2chocolateoranges]

My son loves a good pen, he has a few fountain pens and Lamy is his go to pen.

[Divebar2021]

I have a few pens but still love the Waterman that my mum bought me 30 years ago - it’s weighty. I do love Cult Pens though and have bought a number of inks and pens there.

[LilyBayswater]

@RhymingGuitars

I think surprising someone with a fountain pen is a bad idea.

You can't gauge how it will feel in the recipients hand. Is it:
too big, too small?
too heavy/ light/ unbalanced in their hand?
what kind of nib do they like- fine, medium?
Do they prefer cartridges or bottled ink - do you need to get a convertor.

It's a lovely gift, but not one to randomly present to someone. If she really wants one, take her shopping for it and let her choose

Like the carving knife in the west wing

[Crumbcatcher]

I second the Pilot Decimo - it has a retractable nib and is very cool!

[LilyBayswater]

My god. I knew that they were good but
I never knew how much Mont Blancs are! Just looked them up.
My DH has one.now inknow why he always panics as to where it is..