Fountain pens ?

[Annaishere]

Can anyone recommend a brand also how much should I spend to get a good one ?

Hmm well it's tricky. Like everything, you can spend a little or a lot. A great deal depends on personal preference too. Does the person you're buying for already use fountain pens?

Anyway I like Waterman fountain pens. They are not too wide in the barrel and write smoothly with a line that is not too thick or too thin. They are not scratchy either (I'm looking at you, Parker!). You can get them from £40 upwards depending on the configuration. Typically I have ones in the £80-100 bracket. They're not cheap or luxe but good, in my opinion.

For someone who has never used one but thinks they would enjoy one. Complains about scratchiness in their normal (decent) pens. I will have a look thank you

Kaweco

Penheaven, Cultpens and WHSmith are all good places to look. Be sure to sort or filter by price or you might be put off. Parker are rubbish (imo) by the way.

I’ve had Lamy fountain pens before which are reasonably priced and been lovely to write with.

I like Lamy cartridge pens, really smooth,various nibs available. I love the Nexx with aluminium body, and also have an al-star. They do fancier ones too if you're looking at a higher budget

I have a Lamy 'safari' pen, definitely not scratchy. I liked that it was easy to get a fine nib. (And an adaptor thingy so I can refill from a bottle.)

The only downside is not everywhere carries the cartridges (you can get Parker cartridges anywhere) so you have to order them online usually, unless there's a proper stationers where you are. On the other hand they do a bloody lovely ink called Mystic Blue :)

This is why we need a stationery forum on here!

My waterman is scratchy and expensiv3, the inky pen I've found OK has been a cheap parker. It may be my handwriting - maybe try your friend (or is it you?) out with some.

Oops that's Waterman with the Mystic Blue ink, sorry.

Yes I’ve had a Hugo boss rolllerball pen and when I ordered new cartridges they were too short

I like Waterman (at the lower budget end of the market) - I've had mine for over 30 years and they're still going strong.

If you're prepared to spend a little more, have a look at Tom's Studio. His pens are beautifully balanced and all designed by him in his Dorset studio.

And if you have more to spend, Mont Blanc are classic and last forever.

Cross pens.
.the most luxurious pens ever..used by professionals.

@DisplayPurposesOnly how slim is your Lamy safari pen- is it bulky at all or is it just the picture I’m looking at

Also Lamy in pen heaven they’re all come with blue ink looking for black ink cartridge

Buy black ink and a converter

Another vote here for a Lamy Safari pen. I have the broad nib with a converter to use proper ink.

(Have a look at the Diamine Shimmer Inks - they are lovely!)

I fell for the Lamy hype and they are ok but they leak so my fingers were constantly stained and no good in the handbag as an every day pen. I couldn’t find a single decent fountain pen so now use the pilot disposables - they’re smooth and easy to use.

Another vote for Lamy, a good entry level pen is the Safari or Al-star. I just got a gorgeous Benu pen for my birthday, so pretty, and a very smooth writer. It was around £70.
Agree with @ChicoryDip about Diamine shimmer inks, also Wearingeul have some beautiful ones. I'm currently eyeing up the Diamine Inkvent calendar!

I’m quite liking the look of the Kaweco pens

This one writes beautifully
https://cultpens.com/products/sheaffer-intensity-fountain-pen-with-bottled-ink-gift-set-red

Not Kaweco but Sheaffer which are excellent.

Thank you for all your help ladies ! I’ve looked through every suggestion and decided/ impulse bought a nice Kaweco. Every time I see one of the Christmas threads I end up buying but I love it

That shaeffer one is also a beautiful set though

I hope they love it! 😁

I want one but hate scratchy pens I'm also left handed