The Fountain Pen Thread

You forgot about the M250. I snagged a mint burgundy with gold trim M250 for under $150 shipped. It has a medium gold nib.

Yeah you do!

 

I'm getting an older Waterman sent to me, from a friend (and member here ). I'm wondering about ink/ink colours. I'm very particular in my colour of choice, and have honestly ignored pens (ballpoints and rollerballs, but still), because of the colour of the ink. I like a nice bright royal blue. I'd like one that lays down nice, but isn't super wet, because I'm a lefty. Any suggestions?

 

well if you head on over to gouletpens.com you can filter their huge amounts of ink by colour and find something perfect for yourself if thats a vintage pen you will want to stay clear of noodlers and probably private reserve

 

Waterman's or AurorA blue.

 

The Waterman ink looks like an easy solution. I like the look of Organics Studio - Jules Verne, as well.

 

For those that enjoy seeing how things are made:

http://edisonpen.com/index.cfm/2014/3/29/Behind-the-Scenes--Making-a-Menlo-Pump-Filler

Cool fountain pen video!

 

Nice video, thanks for sharing.

 

Reading this thread is dangerous
I looked up the pelikan m200 and found this:
http://www.nibs.com/MontegrappaNerouno.htm
Do you guys know Montegrappa pens? What are they like?

 

high end italian.. a bit status symbol but they are known for high quality, nibs is great you can call and they will offer you advice as well as they tune all their nibs before sending them out

 

Great info, thanks!

 

for that price point there are lots of great options i would certainly make a phone call and speak to them, ive never held a MG and dont know a lot of people with them so i cant comment to long term usage.

 

If I were going to drop that sort of coin on a fountain pen, my first port of call would be Nakaya. These are seriously gorgeous pens with reportedly outstanding nibs! Japanese fountain pens to go with all the great Japanese knives here.

http://www.nibs.com/NakayaMainPage.html

Now that ^ is dangerous. (You're welcome, and I'm sorry.)

 

If you're going into something dangerous then better go with as much knowledge you can gather
They have some beautiful models...

 

Nakaya pens are hand made one at a time... simply beautiful pens

 

Or a Pelikan for (potentially) a lot less money. I'm thinking M400 or M600.

 

Sure thing. I love the idea of those pens (robust filling mechanism, choice of materials, made in the USA, etc.), but vintage Parker Vacs and Vac Duofolds can be found for a fraction of the price with really nice gold nibs. I also have a $200 psychological barrier with fountain pens. I hope I never get over that.

With some patience, you can find a Pelikan M200 for less than $100. I find that the returns diminish greatly after about the $175 to $200 mark with fountain pens, though. The pens I have been most disappointed with and gave me the most trouble were in the $200 to $500 range. I've stopped playing in the deep end of the pool ever since.

You're either paying for status or fancy materials (jewelry) with most extremely expensive pens, imo. Nakaya is probably an exception, and I put those pens in the "Art" category. Pelikan is another exception. I never see people with buyer's remorse after they purchase a high end Pelikan.

With the Edison Menlo, you're helping pay for expensive manufacturing equipment, R&D time, and encouraging someone in the US to keep on making great fountain pens. That helps me justify the Edison, Bexley, and Franklin-Christoph fountain pens I have. I'd highly recommend getting an Edison and/or F-C at some point.

I'm done sending mixed messages now.

 

I could be wrong, but I think Lamy Blue is pretty dry. Parker Quink certainly is. Which Waterman is headed your way? All my Waterman fountain pens have been wet writers, but you'll be alright if it has a fine nib. Also try to use a fairly absorbent paper like Franklin-Christoph journals/pads or Staples M Arc paper. Staples Sustainable Earth sugarcane paper might be pretty absorbent as well, but I don't recall ever trying it. Lots of folks love it, though, and it's inexpensive.

 

I have to be honest, I'm not sure of the model... Matt?

Here's a question that is related to the paper comment: I use a medium sized moleskine, and have for years. I have a leather cover for mine, yet I hate the new paper. Is there a notebook that is the same size as the medium moleskine?

 

Beats me Amigo. Its black with gold accents and a two tone nib You should have it sometime next week, let me know if you find out. (if I had to guess based on web images I would say it was an Expert)

 

Check out the Clairefontaine notebook sizes. Rhodia is made by them, as well, and ink will dry faster on Rhodia.

Those are nice pens.