Do you use a fountain pen?
Discussion
Sway said:
Oh, and you may not remember bud, but I bought a tent from you a few years ago - several most excellent holidays in it with the kids (still with the gaffer taped pole) and it's just been handed on to some very good friends to use with thier young daughter - bloody superb purchase, so thanks!
Awesome! I'm so glad you got good use from it - it was literally just sat in my shed collecting dust so I'm overjoyed that it went to a good home and was useful. Do you still have your GTM Libra? Lovely little car - I always wanted one.
ClockworkCupcake said:
Sway said:
Oh, and you may not remember bud, but I bought a tent from you a few years ago - several most excellent holidays in it with the kids (still with the gaffer taped pole) and it's just been handed on to some very good friends to use with thier young daughter - bloody superb purchase, so thanks!
Awesome! I'm so glad you got good use from it - it was literally just sat in my shed collecting dust so I'm overjoyed that it went to a good home and was useful. Do you still have your GTM Libra? Lovely little car - I always wanted one.
Sold it, thinking I'd buy a T350, then realised that as a contractor I'd get nothing but grief. So bought a lovely mk2 mx5 (of course!) which I'm getting into absolutely perfect condition before putting a Jag 3l V6 (S type) engine in later this year (although probably early next). Aim is a kinda C type inspired 'classic racer' vibe that'll go entirely under the radar...
It'll end up the worst value mx5 in the history of the world, but I'll love it!
Back on topic (sorry chaps and chapesses!) - those pilot suggestions have me thinking...
So, piston filler, translucent (preferably blue or blue/green), gold nib, under £200, pen for life (or until I can afford an Einstein Mont Blanc) - GO!
Pen arrived yesterday
1946 Parker Vacumatic with an extra fine nib.
Parker Vacumatics were made in a number of different sizes from the early 30s to around 1953, this one is the Standard Streamline at 5.25 inches. They have an unusual filling system, there is a blind cap at the end of the pen with a plunger which presses down on a diaphragm, as it is released a vacuum is created which draws ink into the chamber.
This pen is now over 70 years old and works just as well as the day it was bought, it really does not look its age.
1946 Parker Vacumatic with an extra fine nib.
Parker Vacumatics were made in a number of different sizes from the early 30s to around 1953, this one is the Standard Streamline at 5.25 inches. They have an unusual filling system, there is a blind cap at the end of the pen with a plunger which presses down on a diaphragm, as it is released a vacuum is created which draws ink into the chamber.
This pen is now over 70 years old and works just as well as the day it was bought, it really does not look its age.
Edited by Robbo 27 on Sunday 26th March 07:24
Sway said:
There's a video review here.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc44JtE__FE
That Pelikan Edelstein Aquamarine ink may well end up on my shopping list!
Robbo 27 said:
1946 Parker Vacumatic with an extra fine nib.
That's a great looking pen. I'm going to have a google later to see how they produced the finish. I had a look in google images and they look fantastic when the light reflects off the light coloured areas contrasted against the dark. AlexC1981 said:
That's a great looking pen. I'm going to have a google later to see how they produced the finish. I had a look in google images and they look fantastic when the light reflects off the light coloured areas contrasted against the dark.
There are some more Vacs on this pagehttp://www.vacumania.com/websitesales/forsaleparke...
Exige77 said:
Just been to the post office and sent out pens to those that sent me their address.
System Paranoia was the first to send me his address so have included another pen I found. It's used but with a good flush out should be OK. Also put some ink cartridges from the 1990's in there. Hope they are still OK.
They have arrived!! System Paranoia was the first to send me his address so have included another pen I found. It's used but with a good flush out should be OK. Also put some ink cartridges from the 1990's in there. Hope they are still OK.
they've actually been on my door mat since Friday, as I left befor the postie arrived and didn't get back till earlier
But anyhow. Here they are in all their glory!
JiggyJaggy said:
Done anyone know if a Parker Vector rollerball can be used as a fountain pen by just changing the nib? It looks like it is the same screw thread size. Thanks
I havent tried this myself but if the thread pitch is the same then it should be ok, the cap length looks about the same so there shouldnt be an issue in the nib hitting the end of the cap.Vroom101 said:
JAGS said:
Yes please!
Jags, I've sent you a PM 
Received the Jinhao Y1 today in the post.
HUGE thanks to you for your generosity.
I have now inked the pen and have been using it today.
The fine nib is great to write with! Smooth flow and it does not scratch when writing. It will be used to split daily writing duties with my Dunhill.
A cheeky shot of the new Jinhao with the Dunhill...
Happy Writing!
JAGS said:
Vroom101 said:
JAGS said:
Yes please!
Jags, I've sent you a PM Received the Jinhao Y1 today in the post.
HUGE thanks to you for your generosity.
I have now inked the pen and have been using it today.
The fine nib is great to write with! Smooth flow and it does not scratch when writing. It will be used to split daily writing duties with my Dunhill.
A cheeky shot of the new Jinhao with the Dunhill...
Happy Writing!
Don't think there's many Lamy users on here, but I've a half used box of blue Lamy cartridges free to a good home.
Think I've narrowed down my pen choice:
Pelikan M205 Aquamarine with M400 gold nib
Sailor 1911 realo (breaking the budget but shush...)
Pilot Heritage 92 in translucent blue
Or, if I forgo my desire for a piston filler:
Platinum 3776 in Chartres Blue.
Any thoughts on my shortlist? Or indeed any suggestions for where I might be able to see them in the flesh (I'm in the depths of Sussex near Goodwood/Chichester).
Really enjoying this thread!
Think I've narrowed down my pen choice:
Pelikan M205 Aquamarine with M400 gold nib
Sailor 1911 realo (breaking the budget but shush...)
Pilot Heritage 92 in translucent blue
Or, if I forgo my desire for a piston filler:
Platinum 3776 in Chartres Blue.
Any thoughts on my shortlist? Or indeed any suggestions for where I might be able to see them in the flesh (I'm in the depths of Sussex near Goodwood/Chichester).
Really enjoying this thread!
Nothing wrong with any of your choices, all great pens. If I was to loose one of them, it would be the Platinum for no good reason other than personal choice.
You are approaching Montblanc money especially when you find some with a discount, this jeweller is currently selling a 146 with almost £100 discount.
https://www.bankslyon.co.uk/montblanc-meisterstuck...
No guarantees in this world but MB pens hold their value extremely well, sought after all over the world, if you ever wanted to sell it then you would would obtain a higher percentage of purchase price than any other pen. Or if it went wrong or become broken then the MB after sales service is perfect, probably best available.
Apart from the Pelikan, your choices all have a theme and style, so you obviously know what you like, nib choice is important and if you have some options at the time of purchase, for example MB will let you swap a nib without cost in the first few weeks. Think hard about what sort of nib you want which depends on which hand you use, whether you rotate the pen before use and how large is your handwriting, if you write small then you obviously dont want a broad nib.
If you have any money in your budget and still want a piston filler I can really recommend the TWSBI Eco, around £27 and works very well indeed.
I bought two on the strength of other recommendations in this thread and it was a good decision.
Dont know if you like the Parker 51 but there is an ebay seller who rebuilds them to better than new, forgotten his name for the moment but mentionned earlier in the thread, you could have a Parker 51 and a TWSBI piston filler and still leave money in the kitty for a nice leather pen case and a selection of inks.
You are approaching Montblanc money especially when you find some with a discount, this jeweller is currently selling a 146 with almost £100 discount.
https://www.bankslyon.co.uk/montblanc-meisterstuck...
No guarantees in this world but MB pens hold their value extremely well, sought after all over the world, if you ever wanted to sell it then you would would obtain a higher percentage of purchase price than any other pen. Or if it went wrong or become broken then the MB after sales service is perfect, probably best available.
Apart from the Pelikan, your choices all have a theme and style, so you obviously know what you like, nib choice is important and if you have some options at the time of purchase, for example MB will let you swap a nib without cost in the first few weeks. Think hard about what sort of nib you want which depends on which hand you use, whether you rotate the pen before use and how large is your handwriting, if you write small then you obviously dont want a broad nib.
If you have any money in your budget and still want a piston filler I can really recommend the TWSBI Eco, around £27 and works very well indeed.
I bought two on the strength of other recommendations in this thread and it was a good decision.
Dont know if you like the Parker 51 but there is an ebay seller who rebuilds them to better than new, forgotten his name for the moment but mentionned earlier in the thread, you could have a Parker 51 and a TWSBI piston filler and still leave money in the kitty for a nice leather pen case and a selection of inks.
Edited by Robbo 27 on Monday 27th March 18:45
Intention is a single pen, that I keep for keeps, with a little sentimental value due to the birthday I have coming up.
Agree on the Platinum being dropped, it's my least favourite out of the four.
The Pelikan and Pilot are both around £150, the Sailor being as you say around the £300 mark, which I'd feel pretty uncomfortable spending - although if it was 'worth it' I'd stretch.
Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the goldline Montblancs, and the platinumline are an extra £100ish again - far beyond my comfort zone.
It would be a daily user, medium sized handwriting with what I'd say is quite a 'typical' grip and angle. I've found the fine nib on my Al Star too fine/dry (using Lamy cartridges), so I've just bought a medium nib and converter plus some Montblanc Midnight Blue ink.
I'll try and discreetly take a quick video of my writing at work tomorrow, and see if there's anything that may give some clues to the best choice.
Cheers Robbo, as others have said your enthusiasm is infectious!
Agree on the Platinum being dropped, it's my least favourite out of the four.
The Pelikan and Pilot are both around £150, the Sailor being as you say around the £300 mark, which I'd feel pretty uncomfortable spending - although if it was 'worth it' I'd stretch.
Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the goldline Montblancs, and the platinumline are an extra £100ish again - far beyond my comfort zone.
It would be a daily user, medium sized handwriting with what I'd say is quite a 'typical' grip and angle. I've found the fine nib on my Al Star too fine/dry (using Lamy cartridges), so I've just bought a medium nib and converter plus some Montblanc Midnight Blue ink.
I'll try and discreetly take a quick video of my writing at work tomorrow, and see if there's anything that may give some clues to the best choice.
Cheers Robbo, as others have said your enthusiasm is infectious!
Sway said:
It would be a daily user, medium sized handwriting with what I'd say is quite a 'typical' grip and angle. I've found the fine nib on my Al Star too fine/dry (using Lamy cartridges), so I've just bought a medium nib and converter plus some Montblanc Midnight Blue ink.
I'll try and discreetly take a quick video of my writing at work tomorrow, and see if there's anything that may give some clues to the best choice.
Cheers Robbo, as others have said your enthusiasm is infectious!
Good choice on the Lamy medium nib and MB ink, I am using a Lamy Vista today and they are bulletproof.I'll try and discreetly take a quick video of my writing at work tomorrow, and see if there's anything that may give some clues to the best choice.
Cheers Robbo, as others have said your enthusiasm is infectious!
If you are doing a vid try to use lined paper and write quickly - that way all faults will be seen! Medium nibs suit mpst people but if your handwrting is large then perhaps a broad nib. Personally I like an oblique nib, but they are not easy to find.
And thank you.
Enjoying what you write and how it looks together with collecting pens, old and new is a simple enough pasttime that I thought may have died out with emails but I am pleased to be proven wrong and when I hear that children enjoy a fountain pen too and its something that a family can all do it seems even better.
Regrettably, not from my own hand, a simple straightforward style, but something in which you could have pride.
This is the type of pen that they were describing. Made almost 100 years ago and still as good to use as a modern pen. The fact that the writer appears to have pleasure of owning a handed down pen is fairly typical, a treasured family item.
Edited by Robbo 27 on Monday 27th March 19:39
Cross do a couple quite similarly styled to the Sailor/Platinum. The Townsend and the Bailey.
Have you seen the writing room in Harrods? There's quite a lot there to see and I would hope they would let you try before you buy.
Before committing to anything you could spend £15 on some Jinhao's that vary in style, girth, material, nib type etc. and use them all for a few weeks to make sure the style you've chosen is definitely the right one.
Have you seen the writing room in Harrods? There's quite a lot there to see and I would hope they would let you try before you buy.
Before committing to anything you could spend £15 on some Jinhao's that vary in style, girth, material, nib type etc. and use them all for a few weeks to make sure the style you've chosen is definitely the right one.
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