to wonder if anyone uses fountain pens anymore?

[wildswans]

I do use them sometimes, but they always seem to leak, dry up etc. I have a Mont Blanc which my husband bought me for my birthday a couple of years ago, which has never worked - or perhaps it is something to do with the way I use it....

I always think that letters written in ink look so elegant, so perhaps I should persevere: or am I just old fashioned?

I'd like to, but I always found it difficult to write without smudging ink everywhere (I'm a leftie)

I think the nib retracts like a ballpoint. Have a look on the site
I want it because it's a gadget I don't have

i do and i also collect them

I do. I've got a Waterman and a Cross that my dad gave me, as well as his collection that I inherited, and a bog-standard Parker that I use at work.

DP and I had a squabble the other night when I wouldn't let him use my beautiful gold Cross one that was the last present my dad gave me before he died. I dug my heels in on that one. DP now has his own - a cheapy one, though.

I love my Parker fountain pen and use it whenever I can. It makes my terrible handwriting much better. Also I like the smell of the ink and the act of opening the ink bottle and filling the refill. I even don't mind that I usually have blue inky fingers as a result.

Love it love it love it

I do too. I've got two Cross pens, one on my desk and one in my handbag (in its own beautiful case with the matching pencil and fibre tip (which I never use!). I have small hands and they suit me the best.

I use them for everything - writing up DS1's reading record, letters, lists, and meeting notes. I've had comments about using it from meeting attendees, but even though my writing is usually dreadful, it is more legible when using it.

I also like the fact that it is much 'greener' than throwing away a disposable pen.

My mont blanc is beautiful but covers my hands in ink. It's been back for repair but still bloomin leaks. I've given up on it but do love fountain pens.

My Mont Blanc is the same. Cost approx £150 to get it "serviced" too!

Pedalleur- was getting excited there as I have just lost my silver cross pens in a pink leather case at work but obviously wasn't mine!
I can't read my writing in biro so can't really expect anyone else too.
Anyone got any suggestions for a reasonable use every day replacement- thin ish nib?

It was compulsory for DD to use one when she moved up to Yr4. She gets on well with it although we thought it slightly bonkers at the time because in Yr 3 some of them were only just coming off pencils.

I do, though my beloved Parker vanished a few years back and U haven't found a really satisfying replacement yet.

Fountain pens are the nice ham of writing implements. You can do without, but it's just not the same

->OP_ Still looking for the pen that works best - speaking as someone who has an unwieldy hand and knackers most nibs - though my Lamy Calligraphy 1.9nib has stood up pretty well so far.

eek.. the above wasn't meant to sound like Pauline from The League of Gentlemen "Pens! They're the best friend you can have!"

I love writing with a proper pen. Possibly because I love my hand writing !

I love a good stationery porn thread

Pads etc don't do it for me. I do confess that I did fill my bag with lovely gel pens on my last day in my old job last week. Could hardly find my keys for screen cleaners and pens!!

I love a good stationery thread

Pads etc don't do it for me. I do confess that I did fill my bag with lovely gel pens on my last day in my old job last week. Could hardly find my keys for screen cleaners and pens!!

Oops double post! Thought my router had blocked the pron word!!

I have several too, but haven't used one regularly for years. My Dad gave me a brand new one just before he died and I look at it and consider using it and then I worry in case it got lost, because I'd be heart broken and never forgive myself.

My very first one was for secondary school and was stolen in the first week at school from a locked briefcase ; Mum and Dad bought that for me...My Grandma bought me a cheapie one and Mum and Dad bought me another to replace the first one...I still have those and wouldn't part with them even though they are worth nothing.

I love writing cheques with a proper fountain pen...there's something about the paper they use...

Yep. Parker for work and waterman for home.

I teach in the US and everyone uses pencil. Some of the kids haven't seen a real ink pen before. (age14) imagine if I used an ink well and not just cartridges. I have to stock up when in the UK

I have Parker, Waterman and Sheaffer fountain pens, with different sized nibs. I have a few standard pens for the children, as I've been teaching calligraphy to my two eldest.
I like to use with bottles of ink most of all.

I confess I don't use a fountain pen for everyday, and keep an inexpensive biro in my handbag.

Just read the thread. I'm envious of all these Mont Blanc pens now.

I am a Bic black biro girl (Always has to be Bic and always black). Now I can't afford a Mont Blanc but this thread has made me think that I would love a fountain pen again. Does anybody remember the Athena store in the eighties? I got a lovely black and white polka dot covered fountain pen from the shop in Leeds in the mid-eighties.

I hadn't used one for years and after reminiscing about my school one to DH he bought me a beautiful waterman this year. I love it. Using blue ink that it came with but looking forward to trying some coloured ink next.

I remember the Athena store!!