Fountain Pen Users! I need your advice! http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627 Kenouni Renashin Hey folks. Now, basically, my problem is this: I would -love- to try using a fountain pen that takes ink instead of your standard cartridges. The thing is, I don't know where to start; I mean, I don't know what sort of pen would be good for a beginner, I don't really know how to use those sorts of pens, and I don't really know what kind/brand of ink would be best (but I have seen some BEAUTIFUL colours). While I do follow http://30daysofinksanity.blogspot.com/ - I don't know if I can actually get a hold of any of those pens for relatively cheap, I live in the United Kingdom you see. Any advice/tips/recommendations would be very much appreciated! ~ Ken-Ren Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:19:36 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_791695 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_791695 dancer_kirsten You really should go to a specialist shop. These kinds of fountain pens aren't sold on the highstreet normally, plus you want good advice. Google for local specialists and be prepared to part with quite a bit of money. On the other hand it will be a pen for life. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:43:56 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_794810 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_794810 Paladin455 I suggest that you check out Fountain Pen Network on the web. Be warned, expect to spend a good deal of time reading if you are interested in fountain pens. You might start with a Lamy Safari. This is a workhorse pen that is one of the best pens for the least money. Another good choice would be one of the new Noodler's Flex pens. I regularly use both and they are great pens. Later if you find fountain pens are for you, well, the selection is mind boggling. You might also be able to find some of the less expensive Pelikan's, I have one of their better pens that I've been using for more than twenty-five years and they are wonderful writers as well as beautiful to look at. Good luck, and be sure to check out FPN for any other questions or in help finding dealers in the UK. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:34:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_796145 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_796145 Becky Black You can get cheap fountain pens, so you can get started with them and figure out if they're for you. Parker do a big range of fountain pens, starting from under a tenner! I You can ever get disposable fountain pens, which are a good way of trying out working with a nibbed pen. Or try one that's aimed at kids using a fountain pen for the first time. I see you're in Southampton. There is a Pen Shop there according to the internet. The Pen Shop Queens Buildings Queens Way Southampton, SO14 1NH Phone: 023 80334671 They should allow you to try before you buy on the more expensive pens. A good site to look at for pens - of every kind, but also plenty of fountain pens, including disposables and ones for fountain pen newbies is http://www.cultpens.com/. I'm a total pen perv, I browse Cult Pens just for fun! :D Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:15:49 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_796632 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_796632 aaronwaste I'd totally second the vote for the Lamy Safari. Inexpensive, super comfortable, writes nice, and it takes cartridges or you can get a converter, essentially a tube with a piston mechanism inside it, so that you can put in any ink you like. I like the Lamy blue or the Noodler's Blue-Black. I've had a couple of the noodler's pens, not the flex nib but the regular nib, and found them each a little different and in need of a tweaking to get them where I wanted them. The Safaris I've had have all been good right out of the gate. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:37:19 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_797561 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_797561 Marina Castle Lamy all the way! Just make sure you don't put calligraphy ink in the tank :) Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:54:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_797738 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_797738 pking36330 I have a dozen or more fine fountain pens but I use my Namiki Vanishing Point fountain pen every day. It is a great fountain pen and works like a ballpoint pen to avoid the only frustrating part of fountain pens, taking the cap off and putting it back on. And it comes with a refillable cartridge and the sealed cartridges so you can refill it if you want to. I prefer the cartridges for the convenience. Joon.com sends me my favorite hard copy catalog to lust over seasonal offerings. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:32:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_798136 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_798136 Scylax You mean I'm not the only one who has the Cult Pens website open all the time to see what's new, and just... because? Yay! Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:20:41 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_798646 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_798646 spuriouslegend I'm going to vote for a TWSBI Diamond 540. They are about $50 bucks but worth every penny. They hold a ton of ink, respond really well and feel great to write with. Plus, they can easily be taken apart and cleaned if you decide to change ink colors or store the pen for any length of time. I bought mine for Nano this year and it easily out-writes many of my other more expensive pens. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:42:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_801593 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_801593 Kenouni Renashin I love that dite, it's amazing! Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:39:36 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_802173 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_802173 Kenouni Renashin I have two Lamy safaris myself, but i use cartridges for those, and they are beautiful pens. I have a cartridge based Parker too and that's a beautiful thing. (i have loads of fountain pens, i seem to collect cheap but pretty ones but all of them seem to be cartridge based.) Ive heard good things about the TWSBI Diamonds, so I'll look into those, Lamys and Parkers, I think. To start with anyway. Anyone have favourite brands and colours of ink? ~Ken-Ren Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:45:43 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_802191 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_802191 dancer_kirsten I love quirky colours, like lilac. I mean, if you're going to the trouble of not using a ballpoint pen, at least make it special. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:54:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_804814 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_804814 AsianEyes2007 i use the Lamy Safari Fountain Pens too. I bought my first at Paradise Pen for 35-45 bucks. Had it for a couple of years and added to more Lamy Safari's to my collection. All of mine are medium point, but they do have fine and extra fine if it your preference. When I bought them I also got converters. Of the line the cheapest I found is at amazon at 25 dollars. The converters are an additional 5 bucks. (its the usual cost for 5 cartridges. can't beat it) Its an ink cartridge that takes in ink by twisting the top half. The ink I buy is Parker Quink (color black). It is the one I have had the least amount of problems with clogging. I go through a bottle every 8months to a year. Actually my avatar was writing with my fountain pen. The dip is just for show when I was taking photos for kindle screensavers. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:42:20 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_815440 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_815440 AsianEyes2007 link to the Lamy Safari Vista fountain pen. One of my favorites its clear. http://www.amazon.com/Lamy-Vista-Fountain-Demonstrator-L12F/dp/B0002T405A/ref=sr_1_6?s=office-products&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322037524&amp;sr=1-6 the converter http://www.amazon.com/Lamy-LZ24-Refill-Converter/dp/B001DVXWRI/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1322037984&amp;sr=1-1 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 03:47:29 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_815468 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_815468 zenlc I got a Platinum Preppy fountain pen as a cheapy last time I was in Japan and it is my favorite pen right now. The nib is flexible but firm and has just a hint of an italics cut to give a bit of line width variation and it is MUCH smoother than any cheap plastic fountain pen has a right to be. Very highly recommended: http://www.jetpens.com/Platinum-Preppy-Fountain-Pen-Medium-05-Nib-Blue-Black-Ink/pd/4523 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:16:22 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_818205 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_818205 AsianEyes2007 i miss getting fountain pens from Japan (i lived in Aomori), you could get a fountain pen for 100 yen and 5 cartridges for the same price at the 100 yens store (basically the dollar store, but far better) Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:59:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_821402 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_821402 zenlc Love the 100 yen store! Coolest place evar! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:45:04 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_827197 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_827197 CousinJenny I got my main fountain pen in WH Smiths - they had a separate counter with the nicer ones in a locked display cupboard (they can get extremely expensive, but mine was about £25). It's a Parker, so you can get the bottles of ink in the same shop. Like someone else said though, try one of the cheaper ones first to see if you can get on with the refillable ones. They should be in the section with all the biros and fancy shaped pens. Don't go for a calligraphy pen with the flat nib end, but one with a nib that ends in what looks like a little ball. The only difference between writing with that and with a biro is the angle (you have to hold the fountain pen a smidgin more upright) and not pressing down hard when you write. If you decide it's for you, then go for a good one with a gold plated nib. I find the plain steel ones scratchy (both in terms of catching on the page and the sound they make), whereas the gold plated nib is incredibly smooth. Also because it will last you for a very long time, insist on being able to hold different ones, see how they fit your hand. All pens are not equal! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:27:20 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831904 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_831904 teh603 I have mostly ones by Lamy, but I have one or two older ones in my collection as well. On the issue of inks, go with Noodler's or Private Reserve. They're both pH neutral (barring Noodler's baystate colors) and won't corrode the inside of your pen the way other inks will. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:22:13 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832368 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832368 Artemis200 I use a Lamy AL-star every day at school, and for any other writing at home. I have the normal blue ink cartridges, and I love it- it's very similar to the Safari, but it comes in different colours, mine is a bluish-silver, and I prefer the grip. That's mostly my opinion, though, so I'd recommend either that or the Safari- I've never had any real problems with it, it writes smoothly, and it's not too expensive. The only issue is that I lost it at one point, and since it came back I've had to shake it to get the ink flowing after I put a new cartridge in, but that's no big deal and I think it got a little battered when it was missing anyway- there's a scratch on the lid, which I was very sad about. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:30:41 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_889577 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_889577 Artemis200 Forgot to add- the pen's metal, only the grip is plastic, and the colours are all more metallic. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:00:52 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_889976 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_889976 Springroll I would like to recommend the Pelikan brand of Fountain Pens. I'm using the m200 for my everyday writing and the m800 for the more "serious" work :-) those pens are among the best (imho) pens you can get for the price and they will last you a life time. And Pelikan has two different brands of Ink, go to the homepage pelikan.com and check them out! Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:49:14 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1073239 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1073239 Fiona W Lamy Safari with italic nib &amp; converter. The italic nib makes every word special. 'Nuff said. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:09:28 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1096870 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1096870 Kenouni Renashin I have a Pilot Pluminix which has an italic nib (which I think might be a 1mm? not sure but that seem right) and I'm in love with it. So much so that I'm thinking about getting Lamy with an italic nib. I like the look of the Joy but I'm not sure a) which nib to get and b) which pen to go for. (we'll ignore the fact that I already have like, three Lamy pens. I think they're like crack to me.) ~Ken-Ren Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:42:07 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1099502 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1099502 Scylax I'd have to recommend a TWSBI 540. Great price for what you're getting, great choice of nib grades, holds tons of ink and writes like a dream. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:12:12 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1160712 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1160712 Kenouni Renashin Yeah, I've heard good things about the TWSBI 540 - but everywhere online I've lokoed, they're like, £50! And I can't pay that much for a pen. I'm looking forward to the new lime green Safari coming out in May though. ~Ken-Ren Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:57:18 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1161779 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1161779 Inky Brain Welcome to the wonderful world of fountain pens!! They are extremely addictive. You've gotten some good advice from the previous posts, so the only thing I will add is that ink cartridges are a rip off. They are handy in a pinch, but don't forget that you can re-fill &amp; re-use them. Most cartridges cost between $0.50 - $1.00 a piece and they only have roughly one ml in them. Bottles on the other hand, typically have around 50 ml &amp; cost roughly $10. In other words, the price that you paid for the ink in 10 cartridges would buy you 5 ink bottles. Obviously those are estimates, but you see my point. Inky Brain Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:27:06 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1165501 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1165501 Scylax The Writing Desk sell the TWSBI for £42 but that's the cheapest you'll find a good piston-filler. The Lamy Safari is a good pen as long as you can cope with the looks and the moulded grip section. Otherwise a Lamy Studio might be a better bet. Those can be had for around £25 on Amazon. Yes, do either get a convertor or a syringe for refilling carts - and if you must buy them get them online, not on the high-street (WHS for example put well over 100% markup on the rrp for Lamy carts!). A bottle of ink will serve much better, but again buy online for the choice. Lamy inks are cheap and vibrant, but feather on cheap paper, in my experience. Diamine have about 100 colours but again can feather. Personally I would recommend Watermans, but different people swear by different inks, so pick a colour you like and have fun. Just remember that most inks aren't waterproof, so if that's important you will need to be more picky. And yes, fountain pens are *highly* addictive :) Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:06:53 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1165693 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1165693 Pen and Ink I bought a Noodler Ahab Flex pen from the Goulet Pen company (http://www.gouletpens.com/Noodlers_Ink_s/808.htm). I really love it, even though it is not quite as nice as my vintage fountain pens. It was $20, although I don't know what the difference would be for you (I live in the US), but it writes smooth and carries a lot of ink! I don't usually have to fill it up more than once (or maybe twice if I do more writing than usual) a week. Oh, and that site has tons of ink colors too. :D Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:36:24 -0500 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1194296 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1194296 Scylax Be careful if you order from the USA though, because you'll likely have to pay VAT plus customs fees plus delivery. That can be another 40% on top of the set price. And sadly Noodler's anything is almost unknown in the UK :( Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:39:45 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1210850 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1210850 Kenouni Renashin VAT is normally added onto the end of your order and most delivery from the States to the UK is actually not too bad. $15 at most. It's the customs I don't like &gt;&lt; DAMN YOU CUSTOMS! Preventing me from having so many nice things! ~Ken-Ren Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:34:09 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1211802 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1211802 Scylax Agreed! They have so many different pens and inks I want to get :( But I still stand by my TWSBI recommendation, otherwise maybe a Lamy Studio. They're nice pens too and can be had for about £25 on Amazon Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:46:40 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1213356 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1213356 burntchurro Is the Ahab flex okay for regular writing? Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:36:16 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1302439 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1302439 Pen and Ink Totally! I use it as my everyday pen. It hasn't given me any problems as of yet. :D Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:44:56 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1304614 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1304614 Night Owl Another website to visit is <a href="http://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk" rel="nofollow">The Writing Desk</a>. They're based in the UK and offer free shipping to UK addresses. A huge selection of pens and inks to suit every pocket. They're also terrific to do business with; I'm in South Africa but have bought from them a few times and their service is always outstanding. Just don't get so enticed by the pens that you forget to write with them &gt;very big grin&lt; Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:58:59 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1310784 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1310784 burntchurro Oh my... Noodler's came out with another flex pen! I'm thinking about getting another fountain pen for Nano June. I have a parker vector which is pretty good for the price ($8-10 when I got it...5 years ago). But I want to try one that takes ink as well. P: A TWSBI, Lamy Al-star with convertor, or one of the noodler's flexes? Thu, 03 May 2012 21:43:22 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1340807 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1340807 Kenouni Renashin The Al Star is fairly cheap but the converters don't actually hold much ink. The TWSBI holds a TON of ink, has the best customer service (they send you replacement parts for nothing if yours is faulty) and is a well recommended pen. ~ Ken-Ren Fri, 04 May 2012 05:36:41 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1341613 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1341613 Scylax Plus the Lamy Al-star has a shaped grip. Depending on how you hold the pen you may find it perfect, or horribly uncomfortable. I am in the latter camp, and can't write more than a sentence with a pen with the shaped grip without it hurting my hand. The TWSBI has a smooth section which is perfect for me. Which you prefer is very personal - is there any way you can try them both out? Fri, 04 May 2012 22:51:30 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1343432 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1343432 burntchurro Hmm... I'm leaning towards the TWSBI. It's just so beautiful. XD AND HI I'm the one who's been on your blog~ Sat, 05 May 2012 00:25:56 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1343803 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1343803 Kenouni Renashin I have a handful of various Lamy pens (love the colours) - but the only way I'd be about to try the TWSBI would be to buy one. (Which is something that I'm seriously considering doing when my birthday rolls around at the end of August.) ~ Ken-Ren Sat, 12 May 2012 06:59:13 -0400 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1363098 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nano-technology/threads/40627?page=2#forum_thread_comment_1363098