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What's a decent fountain pen?

40 replies

Jux · 08/06/2023 20:52

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?

OP posts:
JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 09/06/2023 23:19

You guys have inspired me to get my Waterman out and use it!

I am however sad that my Parker 45 was stolen years ago and I am tempted to get a vintage one the same.

TwitTwoodiniEscapeOwlogist · 10/06/2023 08:22

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon once you buy your second pen you've set off into a really enjoyable rabbit hole and you start fancying a TWISBI next....and...ooh, that solid brass Kaweko is so pretty...

And then when you get a pen with an ink converter in it and you start looking at inks... Check out the "Mountainofink" site if you haven't seen it, she tests all the different kinds and colours of inks you can buy, ones with sheen and ones with shimmer.... It all stops being just a pen and starts being a hobby. 😀

Jux · 11/06/2023 23:48

DH has echoed some of you here, as he's saying it's so personal we should take her shopping for one. I'd love to do that but I KNOW she'd choose the cheapest whether she likes it or not. I so want to get her one that will captivate her her at first site (I've seen a few possibles already) that she wants to use it and will iron out problems, but I don't think it works like that.

So you pen afficionados! I see some of you were given yours as gifts. Did you like the pen at first?

Also, everyone, does changing the size of nib make a lot of difference to the feel of the pen?

DD used to do calligraphy, and has all the equipment from nibs to heaven knows what - it's all kept in one of those tool-box type things. How much difference might that make to her using a pen? She does use her current one a lot, it's one we got her in primary school unbranded, cheapo thing for less than a fiver.

Her hands are very small, but her fingers are long. I have discounted cigar pens as I suspect they'd just feel too bulky.

I think she'd like something funky but not ultra fashionable. I saw some wood ones which might work too.

If we had a decent shop nearby it would be easier to organise, but I think we're going to have to go a looooong way to find a shop.

OP posts:
SkiingIsHeaven · 11/06/2023 23:50

Cross pens are very good and guaranteed for life.

caringcarer · 11/06/2023 23:53

My Dad bought me a Waterman men when I passed my A levels. I've got 3 more Waterman pens I bought myself. I've got a set of fountain pen, gel ink pen and ball point pen all matching. I use all of them most weeks.

caringcarer · 11/06/2023 23:56

This is my favourite.

What's a decent fountain pen?
Alphabet1spaghetti2 · 11/06/2023 23:57

If you can, go to the pen shop in Northumberland. As pp have all said, a pen is subjective on the writers individual needs. I love my paper mate, but hate my 21st cross fountain pen, despite being a comparable weight.
maybe time for a family weekend break?….

caringcarer · 11/06/2023 23:58

It looks black in pictures but it is a dark mottled blue. This might be a better picture.

What's a decent fountain pen?
Nannyamc · 12/06/2023 00:01

I have a cross pen..45 years old..light and and engraved..love it..not too expensive. I treasure it.

BodyMorphi · 12/06/2023 00:07

My only contribution to this is that a Mont Blanc is a nice pen but their ink is crappy. I can't remember where I was told this - buy other ink or cartridges - I think it was a pen shop - but it was good advice.

I was bought a Mont Blanc as a gift and for a long time I thought it was a rubbishy pen and couldn't understand the fuss. Then I changed ink and it was much much better.

I think it is that the Mont Blanc ink is too 'sticky' or viscous. Not sure but a Mont Blanc pen + good ink (non-Mont Blanc ink or cartridges) is a happy combination!

BodyMorphi · 12/06/2023 00:09

another thing to add is that people are often fussy about nibs - will have a preference for a very thin, thin, medium or thick nib - so if you are buying a pen I would find out their nib preference and check that your proposed purchase offers that width of nib. It's trickier if you like v. thin or v thick as not all offer this.

uglyswan · 12/06/2023 00:09

Pelikan - I've had my green marbled M200 for 30 years and it still writes like a dream.

Pedallleur · 12/06/2023 07:21

Inks? Diamine make a wide range and Pelikan Edelstein. Lots on you tube about pens. Goulet Pen for instance

JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 12/06/2023 17:22

TwitTwoodiniEscapeOwlogist · 10/06/2023 08:22

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon once you buy your second pen you've set off into a really enjoyable rabbit hole and you start fancying a TWISBI next....and...ooh, that solid brass Kaweko is so pretty...

And then when you get a pen with an ink converter in it and you start looking at inks... Check out the "Mountainofink" site if you haven't seen it, she tests all the different kinds and colours of inks you can buy, ones with sheen and ones with shimmer.... It all stops being just a pen and starts being a hobby. 😀

My Waterman has an ink converter (it was like that when I inherited it) I haven't experimented with ink though 🤔

I must dig it out. I could easy use it at my home desk, I have been using my cross roller ball but no reason why I couldn't use a fountain pen.....

AstralStardust · 01/02/2025 00:24

I've found this thread very late. Within your budget, you could get a Pilot Custom 823, which everyone says is an awesome pen, and they'll be happy to use it forever. I adore mine, and everyone does. Get a medium nib. It writes like a dream and is elegant, similar style to a Montblanc at three times the price.

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