The Fountain Pen Thread

so after trying a pen and reading this entire thread it's time for my first. Any thoughts on a good starter? I realize the can of worms I just opened and the rabbit hole I am peering down but hey why not right.

 

The Pilot Metropolitan is a regular starter staple these days,

http://www.gouletpens.com/Pilot_Metropolitan_Fountain_Pen_Black_Plain_M_p/pn91107.htm

try that pen, and maybe check out their ink samples (If going with ink samples get a syringe as well so you cal load the ink from the sample tubes)

another great beginner is the very basic but decent pilot 78G, which can be had for 10 bucks shipped off of ebay from Japan

 

I second the Pilot Metro. Received one recently and I'm pleasantly surprised. Nice pen

 

Curious if you know a Canadian source for the pilot

 

I know a few FP sites here, wonderpens for one, lemme check to see if they carry them...


Well they do indeed, in the TO region I Believe

http://www.wonderpens.ca/Pilot_Metropolitan_Plain_Black_p/pmblack.htm

 

Oh you Canadians...
Way to enable another fountain one user team!

 

:thx

 

Dont thank me yet, lets see what happens to you after a few months. BTW if you didnt know fountain pens can save you money in the long run you know. really your doing yourself a favour by not buying disposables... where is the little devil head avatar now ?... Oh no reason, just asking, uh,... for a friend

 

Same way wet shaving saves me money right...

 

The savings justification for hobbies is a pretty big lie for the majority who get involved...but I've met people to only own one razor and one stone with cheap soaps or hair conditioner, for example. Still, though I like fountain pens, it took me quite a bit of hunting until I found one that really satisfied me, and something always seems to be missing anyway. 90% of the time these days I still prefer a Signo DX or a Jetstream over any fountain pen, and though I've given decent fountain pens to others, none of them prefer the fountain pen over their cheaper ballpoints and gel rollers. I like the idea of a writing tool that will almost certainly be able to keep writing in 30 years, if that means anything, and I like getting a little shading sometimes, but otherwise I don't like using fountain pens that much. I'm however glad I wasn't suckered into it with "it'll save money", as that'd have killed the hobby for me after a while.

 

It is the way I can justify it to She Who Must Be Obeyed.....uch

 

Thanks James I ordered a new pen so we shall see where this takes me.

 

Jim
I really hope you attend the ECG. If you do, bring some of your pens and knives.

I have a Mont Blanc 149 that's about 30 years old. Back then I didn't know of any other brand. It's a daily user, holds a lot of ink and the girth is just right for my gorilla grip.

Also have (or had; it disappeared from my desk a few months ago) a stainless MB, thin and sleek that took a cartridge. Got that in the late 1970's.

 

I've got a new toy to play with! Badger & Blade essential by Franklin-Christoph.
Nicest pen I've ever had!
Big ole thank you to the man that sent this my way!

 

does that have an italic grind on it Jason ?

 

ummm...is an italic grind flat with a straight tip? If so then yes it is italic.....

Which if it is then this is awesome because I really like that style of writing and want to learn it.

 

Came home today to a lovely new writing instrument (Pilot Metro per suggestions) looking like a nice addition to the everyday carry.

 

off to a great start, and if thats the only pen you ever buy it will serve you well for a long time

 

James I feel your right in the "off to a start statement", When you appreciate certain things you keep looking for "the one" most never find this elusive item as we can all attest to in the knives we currently or have owned but hey trying them all is a wonderful part of our search. While my new pilot will be used and enjoyed in sure I will try another in search of my one, So I will follow this thread enjoy seeing all the pens that are tried and keep you all informed on my search.

 

I hate to say it, but there is no "the one." There are only fountain pens that provide certain characteristics you like. For instance, a Namiki Falcon satisfied my curiosity about flex/semi-flex nibs. A Franklin-Christoph 65 with a Masuyama stub nib satisfied my desire to own that type of nib in a clipless desk pen, yadda, yadda, yadda. You'll probably end up with a few (or lots of) pens that you enjoy but that all do different things.

Still, it's a fun search (hobby). Best of luck with it!