Fountain pen suggestion?

[ni4ni]

I currently use Parker ink pens with gel refills. They write incredibly well but I'm looking to move up to a fountain pen.

Anyone here use one? Pros? Cons?

Can anyone recommend a cheap one that works well for a newbie?

 

[Pia]

Check out the Lamy 2000. I have the mechanical pencil version and it's very nice; I'm sure the fountain pen version feels even better because of the added weight. Lamy has a large variety of cheaper models as well. No bling, just neat-looking pens.

 

[mcveigh]

for a new brand TWSBI has some great reviews, http://twsbi.com/
I love my old Parker 51's which can be found cheap. Also Pelikan is very good.

what is your price range.

 

[MovingTarget]

Parker does have some decent fountain pens. I've used waterman pens before as well.

www.paradisepen.com is a good place to look.

 

[MrMajestyk]

Another vote for Lamy. Safari or Al Star are the entry level FP's.

You'll want a 'converter'-the vessel to hold the ink and save on cartridges.

You should be able to get a choice of nib. I like the 1.1 Italic.

 

[ni4ni]

I really don't have a price range. I would like to stay a cheap as possible but understand you have to pay for quality.

I love Parker roller ball and such so maybe I should consider Parker Fountain.

Let me add, I work in government and politics so I would like something that looks traditional and nice. Not a huge fan of modern.

 

[ni4ni]

Anyone ever use the Parker Jotter Fountain pen?

 

[ShawnD1]

Fountain pens pretty much all work the same. They all use dye instead of pigment, they all use water based ink (do not write cheques or sign legal documents with a fountain pen for this reason). Comparing different fountain pens is not like comparing a $0.05 bic pen against a $2 gel pen.

The pen I'm using right now is a Sheaffer. Why? It's what they sold at Staples. It's not any better or worse than the Parker I had before. If you're worried about ink costs and different cartridges to use, you can buy bulk ink at Staples and refill cartridges using a needle.

 

[bearxor]

It's not a fountain pen, but it's a pretty cheap Monte Blanc:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Save-$200-in-2-minutes-and-have-the-worlds-best-wr/

 

[Rastus]

Have you been to the island of pen?

 

[Squisher]

How about a custom handmade pen?

http://www.mantadesigns.com/

I can vouch for them.

EDIT: and by custom, he can customize any part of the pen.

 

[MadAmos]

You have hit on one of my weaknesses take a look at http://www.fountainpennetwork.com for a wealth of Ideas.

One of my favorite inexpensive entry level Fountain pens is a Platinum Plasir. Try http://www.jetpens.com/Platinum-Plaisir-Fountain-Pens/ct/1054

Another source with outstanding service http://www.gouletpens.com/Writing_Instruments_s/891.htm

Once you are hooked there is no going back.... :biggrin:

I have no affiliation with any of the above... other than having spent a bit too much with them.

OP If you have any questions that you want to take off line feel free to PM me.

 

[Jaepheth]

These are good to see if you like fountain pens in general:
http://www.amazon.com/Varsity-Disposable-Fountain-Medium-PIL90010/dp/B001E6C1KQ

 

[ni4ni]

You guys are tons of help. As soon as I make a decision, I'll report back!