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[CheesecakeRecipe]

I'm cheerin my baby Tsuki-yo on. Survive the test of time!

Red Dragon and Chiku-rin look absolutely awful though D:

To make this post a little more substantial, let me post my new pen lust. I have been drooling over the Pilot Stargazer Sapphire since I first laid eyes on it but recently thanks to a listing on JetPens I came to find yet another pen I will never be able to afford but will still dream about: The Pilot Elite 95S.

A rather curious piece, a redux of the Elite S from the early 70s. It was designed to be a very short pen when the cap is on to keep a very low profile while in transit in a pocket. The cap covers the majority of the body of the pen rather than stopping half way or only covering the final 4th section where the nib sits. When posted, the pen's length is comparable to more normal length pens. I'm not sure if I'm fully sold on the resin body and metal cap but the retro aesthetic tickles my fancy quite a lot. I've also not seen a lot of pens with that nib style before in my short obsession with these lovely wonders of the ink age.

I was able to find one for almost half the price (not counting shipping) from Japan but... well, maybe it'll be my birthday present.

 

[Forsete]

That is a delicious looking pen. I like that nib design a lot.

I love german and japanese pens. Sadly I only own one american, an old Sheaffer, with an italic nib.
Sheaffer has some very nice pens, I bet the price is nice also.
http://www.sheaffer.com/en/writing-instruments

 

[MR4001]

A selection of fine papers arrived in my mailbox form jolly old England today! What can that mean????

It all arrive safely? I was a bit worried the envelope might not have been strong enough.

Some news: the current line-up of (bottled) Jentle ink from Sailor - sans black, blue and blue-black - is being dropped. Goodbye to Apricot, Grenade, Epinard, Sky High, Ultramarine and Peche. The seasonal limited editions from the past will be replacing them, apparently. In other words, Yama-dori is staying around for a while!

 

[Risible]

Ok, so I notice that if I don't use my Lamy Safari for a few days it's hard get it started again, the ink doesn't flow until I futz with it a bit, open it up and turn the feed know and stuff. Is this normal? Should I store the pen in a certain way? Any advice?

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

It all arrive safely? I was a bit worried the envelope might not have been strong enough.

Some news: the current line-up of (bottled) Jentle ink from Sailor - sans black, blue and blue-black - is being dropped. Goodbye to Apricot, Grenade, Epinard, Sky High, Ultramarine and Peche. The seasonal limited editions from the past will be replacing them, apparently. In other words, Yama-dori is staying around for a while!

Looks like Anderson Pens has 'em in!

 

[iamcool388]

I had mentioned previously that I had ordered some pens. I just got them the day before and have been using them quite a bit. Here's my initial impressions:

Pilot Metropolitan, Steel M, Baystate Blue ($15) - This is one of the best value for money pens you can buy today. Considering its price, there is no way in hell this should be as smooth as it is. Very nicely balanced, though I have some problems with holding it a little close to the nib. I usually hold my pens a little away from the nib. I wish its grip section was a little longer. I have tried holding it at the pattern area just above the section, but that does not feel comfortable. Still, this pen is incredible. Also, Baystate Blue looks jizztastic with this pen. I used this for BSB because I didnt want to chance my more expensive pens on that ink. This pen handles it like a champ, and I have no worries in dedicating it to BSB. I was using BSB with Platinum Preppy, but the depth and sheen of the color I get from the Metropolitan has to be seen to be believed, the Preppy looks washed out (imagine, BSB washed out!) in comparison. I would recommend it without hesitation, and everyone should have one in their collection.

TWSBI 580 Diamond, Steel M, Noodler's Black ($50) - This pen looks great, feel great, writes... not so great. Its not AS scratchy as the Platinum Preppy, but the ink flow leaves a lot to be desired. It is much drier than is ideal, and the TWSBI company's guide on widening the tines with pliers fills me with dread that I might incompetently screw up the nib. Btw, the nib looks boss, and the piston filling mechanism works smoothly. The aesthetics, the balance... everything is fine, except the writing experience. I will keep trying to improve that, hopefully with greater usage it gets better. I would recommend it, but with the caveat that you may have to work on it a little bit before it writes well.

Pilot Vanishing Point, 18K Gold M, Noodlers Black ($140) - Holy shit. I'd read reviews gushing about how cool this pen is, and that all of the coolness is not just due to its sleek looks and click mechanism, but also how it performs, but had a tough time believing them. I'm a goddam believer now. Smooth as silk... as a hot knife through butter... the nib just glides over the paper, leaving a shiny, wet line of ink. The nib is much smaller than I am used to, and I was apprehensive whether it might create issues for writing or not, however my worries were unfounded. I was also worried that the clip would mess up the way I grip the pen, but it was surprisingly comfortable. What a pen. Considering that you dont get such smooth nibs in even costlier pens, this is quite a good value for its price. Definitely recommend it for being cool as well as an awesome writer.

Noodler's Black - Dont see what the big deal is so far. Although I will admit I have not used it too much as have been too busy going gaga over the Metropolitan and BSB. I dont know what I was expecting, I basically expected it to be really, really dark. Its not. Again, I have not used it too much, will definitely update after a week or so of using it extensively.

If you guys would like photographs or something, please let me know. I will be happy to add to Fountain Pen porn!

TLDR - Pilot Metropolitan is the best value for money pen available on the market right now. TWSBI 580 Diamond looks great, but be prepared to tune it up to get a good writing experience. Pilot Vanishing Point is as amazing as everyone says. Noodlers Black has not been as dark as I expected.

 

[Forsete]

Ok, so I notice that if I don't use my Lamy Safari for a few days it's hard get it started again, the ink doesn't flow until I futz with it a bit, open it up and turn the feed know and stuff. Is this normal? Should I store the pen in a certain way? Any advice?

Mine don't have that problem. Try flushing it out (just use water, thats what I have done at least). Run water through the feed and then put the pen to your lips and blow through the feed system (from the back where the cartridge should sit).

I find that new pens need a good flushing before they get normal.

 

[Forsete]

So, fellow FP bros.
I have sinned. Sinned multiple times over the last months.
I have added three new pens to my stable.

Pelikan Souverän M800 - Medium (New - Import)
Montblanc Meisterstück 146 - Medium (Used)
Sailor 1911 Large - Broad (New - Import)

The most expensive of them was the Pelikan, I bought it from Germany.
The Montblanc I found here in Sweden, bought it from a very friendly (and apparently rich) fellow, he gave me a super awesome price. I was afraid it would be a pirate version at first, but he provided the pics I wanted so I decided to buy it. I wasn't planning on getting one before I saw his ad.
The Sailor I bought via Ebay and I didn't have to pay any customs BS, puh.

Before I ordered the Pelikan I was having a hard time choosing the nib size. People on FPN were writing that the medium was very fat and super wet. Wetness is something a lefthander like myself should probably stay away from, but I found the pen really isn't super wet at all (not compared to my other mediums), in fact the Sailor seems to be laying down more ink than the Pelikan.
The Montblanc is probably the driest of the three.

Nib feelage: Pelikan is the smoothest, without a doubt. It just glides across the paper but you don't get a lot of feedback. Montblanc comes in second, with a little bit more feedback. Sailor is smooth but you can hear it write, it is not scratchy at all but you still get some feedback. In all honesty I probably prefer the Sailor nib out of the three. Pelikan has a very-very stiff nib, no flex at all. Montblanc has a little bit of flex and then we have the Sailor which IMO can be flexed quite a bit.

The design: I am a huge fan of the design on the Pelikan pens. They are truly stunning.
Montblanc and Sailor don't differ a lot, I like the classical design as well, and I actually prefer the feel of these pens. For some reason they are easier to hold than the Pelikan.

Writing sample

All pens have about the same writing width.

I noticed that both the Pelikan and the Montblanc aren't fans of Rhodia paper (perhaps a Germany vs. France thing? ;P ). For some reason there is a lot of friction when writing on Rhodias webnotebook paper. :/ However they are fantastic on Leuchtturms paper, and the Sweden Bond stationary I like to use.

End of my report. I will not buy any more pens for a while, I am very happy with the collection I have now, all three are inked up and I rotate between them.

 

[Czigga]

Just stumbled into this thread. was really digging OP until...

Fountain pen ink generally dries very quickly. I'm not sure if it's quick enough for lefties, but who cares about them?

This made me sad. any entry level recommendations for lefties?

 

[Forsete]

Just stumbled into this thread. was really digging OP until...



This made me sad. any entry level recommendations for lefties?

Some inks does dry very fast, and can be used by lefties
A fine point nib is probably recommended as it lays a smaller amount of ink on the paper.
I very seldom smear now (and when it happens I rage inside).

 

[zchen]

PSA if you are in the USA.

Staples has Pilot Metropolitan with Medium nib at $10 each. Online Only.
They have the basic black, silver, and gold, along with 3 Animal prints models (White Tiger, Black Croc, and Purple Leopard).

 

[LuffyZoro]

PSA if you are in the USA.

Staples has Pilot Metropolitan with Medium nib at $10 each.
They have the basic black, silver, and gold, along with 3 Animal prints models (White Tiger, Black Croc, and Purple Leopard).

Ooh, there's a Staples right on my way to work. Might have to grab that.

 

[neojubei]

PSA if you are in the USA.

Staples has Pilot Metropolitan with Medium nib at $10 each.
They have the basic black, silver, and gold, along with 3 Animal prints models (White Tiger, Black Croc, and Purple Leopard).

Wow thanks

 

[Sera O]

So, fellow FP bros.
I have sinned. Sinned multiple times over the last months.
I have added three new pens to my stable.

Oooh you've gone all in on the nice pens! Those look great.

 

[zchen]

Ooh, there's a Staples right on my way to work. Might have to grab that.

I should add deal is online only.

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

I should add deal is online only.

Free shipping to a store however, so one could place the order online and pick it up when the store they've chosen gets their shipment in.

 

[LuffyZoro]

I should add deal is online only.

Oh, hm. Can I pick up in store or do you have to have them ship it?

Free shipping to a store however, so one could place the order online and pick it up when the store they've chosen gets their shipment in.

Ah, ok. This works.

 

[CraigerGamer]

As an avid automatics pencil user I tried the Varsity...and I love it. I've finally found a pen that feels great and writes perfectly for my mix of block and cursive. I'm curious, as far as pens that are a bit more expensive, what would be similar?

 

[Sera O]

As an avid automatics pencil user I tried the Varsity...and I love it. I've finally found a pen that feels great and writes perfectly for my mix of block and cursive. I'm curious, as far as pens that are a bit more expensive, what would be similar?

A Pilot Metropolitan is a great option for a starting pen and it's apparently available at Staples now as per a few posts up! It's the one I'd recommend for sure.

 

[Bagels]

A Pilot Metropolitan is a great option for a starting pen and it's apparently available at Staples now as per a few posts up! It's the one I'd recommend for sure.

Yup! There seems to be a consensus that a Pilot Metropolitan should be in every collection. They're cheap, but feel very solid. You can find them in medium and fine nibs now, they take the standard Pilot ink carts, which come in some nice colors
or you can use a converter (I refill my cartridges with a syringe because I'm not fond of the Pilot converters - I love all things Pilot except for their converters)
.
I recommend the Pilot Plumix for something different. It uses the same inks, but it has a italic nib. It feels a little scratchier (it has sharp edges, rather than rounded), but it adds beautiful variation to your writing.

The real addiction to me is in trying new inks, so I have a lot of cheap pens on my desk for trying out ink samples.

 

[Sera O]

Yup! There seems to be a consensus that a Pilot Metropolitan should be in every collection. They're cheap, but feel very solid. You can find them in medium and fine nibs now, they take the standard Pilot ink carts, which come in some nice colors
or you can use a converter (I refill my cartridges with a syringe because I'm not fond of the Pilot converters - I love all things Pilot except for their converters)
.
I recommend the Pilot Plumix for something different. It uses the same inks, but it has a italic nib. It feels a little scratchier (it has sharp edges, rather than rounded), but it adds beautiful variation to your writing.

The real addiction to me is in trying new inks, so I have a lot of cheap pens on my desk for trying out ink samples.

For me the big thing that differentiates the Metropolitan besides how smooth it writes for the price is that, if you decide you like it and want to invest in some bottled inks, it doesn't require a separate converter purchase. It's also cheap enough that you can use it with inks that behave badly without worrying about your investment.

The Lamy Safari is also really popular and widely recommended as a starter pen. The look of it is really nice, but in my experience the quality control on the nibs is not great. It's more expensive, and you would need to buy a converter separately. It's a really nicely designed pen otherwise though; love the grip section.

 

[shindoku21]

I thought this was an interesting thread and I bought the Pilot Metropolitan when that deal was posted. I'm new to fountain pens but it's definitely more enjoyable any other pen I've written in. I haven't written in cursive in a long time and it's looking super ugly when I write in a fountain pen.

 

[CraigerGamer]

A Pilot Metropolitan is a great option for a starting pen and it's apparently available at Staples now as per a few posts up! It's the one I'd recommend for sure.

Thanks!

 

[Bagels]

I thought this was an interesting thread and I bought the Pilot Metropolitan when that deal was posted. I'm new to fountain pens but it's definitely more enjoyable any other pen I've written in. I haven't written in cursive in a long time and it's looking super ugly when I write in a fountain pen.

My cursive is trash, and I get tons of compliments on my normal handwriting. I can write very quickly and legibly in a print style with cursive elements - a few different strokes and different letter combinations end up tied together. If you have neat print and your cursive sucks, you can either practice away at cursive, or just say screw it and print. Write anything by hand, in any way, and people flip out these days.

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

Seems like J. Herbin is going to continue with the pen-clogging 1670 series, this time with an ink called "Stormy Gray".

No pictures yet but seeing how much I came to love Kiri-same I might end up digging it depending on how it looks. The gold flake material might bring it even closer to the look of a light pencil line.

 

[DJ_Lae]

I mentioned to my parents that I was amused by writing with fountain pens and I guess my mom stumbled across a Sheaffer Targa (brass with gold nib) for five bucks at a garage sale. Haven't gotten my hands on it yet as they live a distance away, but next time they visit I'll get to mess around with it. I guess it comes with a couple of brass tins, for the pen and for the refills.

I know it's a relatively expensive pen but I have no idea how well it'll actually write. Most of my scribbling so far has been with my Varsities and V-Pens, so I've been scraping the bottom of the barrel I suppose.

 

[lordfroakie]

What are some good and cheap pens for drawing?

Edit: Nvm found what I'm looking for along with some paper and pebeo colorex atelier ink.

 

[Horse Detective]

What are the chances of a hand lettering thread being in the works?

 

[SteveWinwood]

What are some good and cheap pens for drawing?

Edit: Nvm found what I'm looking for along with some paper and pebeo colorex atelier ink.

I'm gonna need this too.

Something with a finer point, ink doesn't flow out like a waterfall, and still kind of cheap.

My varsitys have served me well but I need something more specialized now for some of the drawing I need to do in some labs. Still only black ink though... for now.

Any help appreciated!

Maybe I should just buy a bunch of <$10 pens off jetpens so I can get the wide range of experimentation out of very fine, fine, italic, broad, double broad, A, 1.5mm, iridium, metal etc etc etc.

 

[Bagels]

What are the chances of a hand lettering thread being in the works?

There was one not too long ago. I want to get back into writing a bit more for GAF, so I'll think about a more comprehensive calligraphy/lettering thread.

I've been planning a thread on paper with MR4001 for several months now, but I got super distracted. I actually want to try to finish up my part tonight, so get ready!

I'm gonna need this too.

Something with a finer point, ink doesn't flow out like a waterfall, and still kind of cheap.

My varsitys have served me well but I need something more specialized now for some of the drawing I need to do in some labs. Still only black ink though... for now.

Any help appreciated!

Maybe I should just buy a bunch of <$10 pens off jetpens so I can get the wide range of experimentation out of very fine, fine, italic, broad, double broad, A, 1.5mm, iridium, metal etc etc etc.

Grabbing a bunch of different pens is a great idea. I don't have any advice for finer point pens, except that people who use them should be in jail.

 

[Ambient80]

New FP!

So I finally chose a nice FP. This one was handmade by a gentleman at our local art fair. He was making them as I was looking through his stock, so I know he's likely legit. This pen is made of Banksia Nut Pods, with a royal purple acrylic injected to fill in the gaps. The metal pieces are all iridium, including the nib, which is a medium point, and made in Germany.

The overall appearance of the wood and acrylic is pretty unique. It feels very well balanced, and has a bit of a heft to it. It writes smoother than any pen (FP or otherwise) I've ever used. I can't wait to get practicing on my handwriting so I can use it as intended.

And now, pics!! Phone quality so not the best, but it lets you see the great colors. I love it!

 

[Sera O]

There was one not too long ago. I want to get back into writing a bit more for GAF, so I'll think about a more comprehensive calligraphy/lettering thread.

I've been planning a thread on paper with MR4001 for several months now, but I got super distracted. I actually want to try to finish up my part tonight, so get ready!


Grabbing a bunch of different pens is a great idea. I don't have any advice for finer point pens, except that people who use them should be in jail.

F nibs, they are the best. For calligraphy it's one thing, but I don't want to be taking notes with a swab!

PM me if you could use samples of G Lalo, Crown Mill, Midori or Life for your paper thread. I recently tried Life (from Japan). Like Clairefontaine it's super smooth, but aside from that it pretty much glares down from a great height when it comes to ink tolerance. Flex pen or calligraphy nibs show through a lot on CF and sometimes bleed through, but this stuff only shows a bit of shadow.

I'm getting a raden galaxy vanishing point. It's probably arriving tomorrow.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Just picked this one up mostly for inking and sketching on sketchbook. The best pen I've ever used besides traditional dip pens.

Platinum Carbon
I also picked up the converter so I can use waterproof ink.

http://www.jetpens.com/Platinum-Carbon-Desk-Fountain-Pen-Super-Fine-1-Carbon-Ink-Cartridge/pd/3851

 

[SteveWinwood]

i bought a bunch of pens from like 3 shops today

bagels you owe me so much money

 

[Paskil]

I bought a pen just now because of this OP. Pilot Plumix. I haven't used a fountain pen since elementary school. I've almost exclusively used Pilot G-2, or other retractable point gel ink pens for most of my adult life. My writing is super sloppy so I'm not really thinking there will be much improvement. Just more flash.

 

[Bagels]

New FP!

Oh man! So nice! I hope you enjoy it!

F nibs, they are the best. For calligraphy it's one thing, but I don't want to be taking notes with a swab!

PM me if you could use samples of G Lalo, Crown Mill, Midori or Life for your paper thread. I recently tried Life (from Japan). Like Clairefontaine it's super smooth, but aside from that it pretty much glares down from a great height when it comes to ink tolerance. Flex pen or calligraphy nibs show through a lot on CF and sometimes bleed through, but this stuff only shows a bit of shadow.

I'm getting a raden galaxy vanishing point. It's probably arriving tomorrow.

So jealous! Such a pretty pen, and vanishing points write so nicely!

Just picked this one up mostly for inking and sketching on sketchbook. The best pen I've ever used besides traditional dip pens.

Platinum Carbon
I also picked up the converter so I can use waterproof ink.

http://www.jetpens.com/Platinum-Carbon-Desk-Fountain-Pen-Super-Fine-1-Carbon-Ink-Cartridge/pd/3851

Very cool! I'll have to check it out!

i bought a bunch of pens from like 3 shops today

bagels you owe me so much money

Hahaha! I want to know where my cut of all this is! Come on, jetpens!

I bought a pen just now because of this OP. Pilot Plumix. I haven't used a fountain pen since elementary school. I've almost exclusively used Pilot G-2, or other retractable point gel ink pens for most of my adult life. My writing is super sloppy so I'm not really thinking there will be much improvement. Just more flash.

I love the Plumix so much! You can remove the nib and feed and stick them in a Pilot Metropolitan if you don't like the look of the Plumix body. Much classier!

My handwriting has actually changed over the past few months with my increasing fountain pen use and calligraphy practice. It has gotten more calligraphic and expressive. It makes writing with my growing fountain pen collection ever more fun.

Here's the paper thread, btw.

 

[MR4001]

I'm getting a raden galaxy vanishing point. It's probably arriving tomorrow.

I'm just on the way to Heathrow: I'm going to steal that Raden whilst you sleep... I WANT IT. It is so beautiful.

 

[Sera O]

I'm just on the way to Heathrow: I'm going to steal that Raden whilst you sleep... I WANT IT. It is so beautiful.

Make sure you try some poutine on your mission to kidnap Sparkles!

Spoiler

That way your escape will be very sluggish and I'll be sure to overtake you - it's Canada's delicious secret weapon!

I feel like I've been good for a while, so this is my present to myself. Such a splurge, but I'm excited. I use my other VP like crazy too, so it will definitely get heavy use.

 

[SteveWinwood]

oh my god this pilot plumix is like heaven

its like ten times better than the varsity

i am just sitting here waiting for my dilli pen

 

[CheesecakeRecipe]

oh my god this pilot plumix is like heaven

its like ten times better than the varsity

i am just sitting here waiting for my dilli pen

Pilot has some excellent pens at the cheap range. Plumix for the broad nib, Metropolitan for Fine/Medium and a nice brass casing, 78g for a plastic alternative (though not widely available anymore). I don't know what kind of voodoo they work to get their pens so cheap and write so well.

I have to share with you guys my new toys at some point.

 

[Bagels]

oh my god this pilot plumix is like heaven

its like ten times better than the varsity

i am just sitting here waiting for my dilli pen

Right? The italic nib is so much fun! You lose some of the smoothness of a normal nib, but I love the variation in line width.

I've switched over one of my Metropolitans to a Plumix nib. I love it so much.

 

[Forsete]

So my ink test has ended. The summer is over so no more sun.

The test ran from 10th of may to 25th of september.

http://i.imgur.com/rfmawJs.jpg
Please excuse the terrible white balance.

Edit: Took a picture with a camera instead.

Seems the Pilot inks are worth the price, except Chiku-Rin but that was pretty expected as it is hard to read even when fresh.

 

[Bagels]

So my ink test has ended. The summer is over so no more sun.

The test ran from 10th of may to 25th of september.

http://i.imgur.com/rfmawJs.jpg
Please excuse the terrible white balance.

Edit: Took a picture with a camera instead.

Seems the Pilot inks are worth the price, except Chiku-Rin but that was pretty expected as it is hard to read even when fresh.

Wow. I'm honestly surprised the Iroshizukus can be so light-fast. That is great to know. Thanks for doing this!

 

[Sera O]

So my ink test has ended. The summer is over so no more sun.

The test ran from 10th of may to 25th of september.

http://i.imgur.com/rfmawJs.jpg
Please excuse the terrible white balance.

Edit: Took a picture with a camera instead.

Seems the Pilot inks are worth the price, except Chiku-Rin but that was pretty expected as it is hard to read even when fresh.

Thanks for this, it's really informative. I was noticing actually that even in a notebook it seemed like my R&K Sepia ink seemed to be lightening quite a bit. I should try a test like this.

 

[LiveFromKyoto]

I wasn't even conscious of this as a thing, but I want in.

 

[adamsappel]

I ordered a few more Pilot Petits from jetpens recently. I like the smaller size. I am contemplating a vanishing point model, though.

 

[Bagels]

I ordered a few more Pilot Petits from jetpens recently. I like the smaller size. I am contemplating a vanishing point model, though.

The Vanishing Point is such an amazing pen! I've seen deals on Massdrop for $100. That's an amazing price for an amazing pen!

 

[SteveWinwood]

My Pilot Preppy and Pilot Penmanship showed up today.

The Preppy hasn't really excited me yet. It's just like the Varsity.

I love the Penmanship though. It writes so thin.

 

[Bagels]

I wasn't even conscious of this as a thing, but I want in.

I think the new consensus is that the Pilot Metropolitan is the place to start. It is a ridiculous value. They come in fine and medium nibs. Grab a Pilot Plumix if you want to convert to an italic nib.

Goulet Pens - $15

Jet Pens - $14.50

Amazon - $15.20

 

[Forsete]

So I couldn't resist.

I decided to give Sailors Zoom nib a shot, I think Sailor makes the best nibs I have used.

It looks a bit odd, the writing width changes depending on the angle when writing. From [European] broad and wet to an extra fine line.

Very impressed. However the small converter for the Sailor 1911L will probably dry up in no time when using this pen.