Do you use a fountain pen?
Discussion
This is my collection thanks to this thread! However I am yet to purchase a Jinhao like everyone else! I started off with a Lamy Safari which I actually still have (forgot about that) but found it pretty poor and very dry.
Pelikan M800 fine nib (writes like a medium and is wet and juicy
)
TWSBI Diamond 580AL fine nib + spare medium nib
TWSBI Eco fine nib
...both TWSBI's are also fantastic pens for the price and write very well too
For the expert here, you will have noticed that I've taken off the aluminium grip for the 580AL and put a standard plastic grip from the normal 580 (came with the spare medium nib that I bought separately). I think it was Robbo that previously mentioned that he found metal grips slippery. Well, I can agree to that- much better grip with plastic.
I've ordered an A5 pad with Tomoe River paper for £8 which is regarded as the best paper for fountain pen use and to show-off the ink.
Pelikan M800 fine nib (writes like a medium and is wet and juicy
)TWSBI Diamond 580AL fine nib + spare medium nib
TWSBI Eco fine nib
...both TWSBI's are also fantastic pens for the price and write very well too
For the expert here, you will have noticed that I've taken off the aluminium grip for the 580AL and put a standard plastic grip from the normal 580 (came with the spare medium nib that I bought separately). I think it was Robbo that previously mentioned that he found metal grips slippery. Well, I can agree to that- much better grip with plastic.
I've ordered an A5 pad with Tomoe River paper for £8 which is regarded as the best paper for fountain pen use and to show-off the ink.
Edited by Prohibiting on Friday 31st March 19:35
Prohibiting said:
This is my collection thanks to this thread! However I am yet to purchase a Jinhao like everyone else! I started off with a Lamy Safari which I actually still have (forgot about that) but found it pretty poor and very dry.
Pelikan M800 fine nib (writes like a medium and is wet and juicy)
TWSBI Diamond 580AL fine nib + spare medium nib
TWSBI Eco fine nib
...both TWSBI's are also fantastic pens for the price and write very well too
For the expert here, you will have noticed that I've taken off the aluminium grip for the 580AL and put a standard plastic grip from the normal 580 (came with the spare medium nib that I bought separately). I think it was Robbo that previously mentioned that he found metal grips slippery. Well, I can agree to that- much better grip with plastic.
I've ordered an A5 pad with Tomoe River paper for £8 which is regarded as the best best for fountain pen use and to show-off the ink.
I think you have made some very good choices. Pelikan M800 fine nib (writes like a medium and is wet and juicy
)TWSBI Diamond 580AL fine nib + spare medium nib
TWSBI Eco fine nib
...both TWSBI's are also fantastic pens for the price and write very well too
For the expert here, you will have noticed that I've taken off the aluminium grip for the 580AL and put a standard plastic grip from the normal 580 (came with the spare medium nib that I bought separately). I think it was Robbo that previously mentioned that he found metal grips slippery. Well, I can agree to that- much better grip with plastic.
I've ordered an A5 pad with Tomoe River paper for £8 which is regarded as the best best for fountain pen use and to show-off the ink.
One of the UK pen experts regards the Pelikan 800 as the best pen you can buy, whatever the cost. You have then had the nib tuned to suit you.
For the money, TWSBI pens are also a good decision, a well engineered piston filled pen, I have bought two on the strength of recommendations in this thread and pleased to have done so.
Tomoe River paper is very thin, I think its 58gsm whereas copy paper is around 80 and cartridge paper 120+. For a long time you just couldnt buy it in the UK. Another poster has a colleague going to Japan, suggest he picks up a TR notebook whilst he is there!
I see that the Lamy is not working for you, Lamy nibs are very cheap, I wonder if a left hand nib at £4.50 might work?
http://www.tigerpens.co.uk/lamy-z50-nib-steel?utm_...
Robbo 27 said:
I think you have made some very good choices.
One of the UK pen experts regards the Pelikan 800 as the best pen you can buy, whatever the cost. You have then had the nib tuned to suit you.
For the money, TWSBI pens are also a good decision, a well engineered piston filled pen, I have bought two on the strength of recommendations in this thread and pleased to have done so.
Tomoe River paper is very thin, I think its 58gsm whereas copy paper is around 80 and cartridge paper 120+. For a long time you just couldnt buy it in the UK. Another poster has a colleague going to Japan, suggest he picks up a TR notebook whilst he is there!
I see that the Lamy is not working for you, Lamy nibs are very cheap, I wonder if a left hand nib at £4.50 might work?
http://www.tigerpens.co.uk/lamy-z50-nib-steel?utm_...
Thanks Rob. Before deciding to splash out on a premium pen, I read a lot of reviews and forums comparing the Mont Blanc 146 vs Pelikan M800. The consensus was that if you wanted the best writing experience possible, get the Pelikan. If you wanted something that is more likely to be recognised due to the snowflake logo of the Mont Blanc, get the Mont Blanc. I think that someone who can appreciate pens will definitely recognise the Pelikan anyway. I'll never sell my Pelikan now and I hope to keep it in the family for other people to eventually enjoy. One of the UK pen experts regards the Pelikan 800 as the best pen you can buy, whatever the cost. You have then had the nib tuned to suit you.
For the money, TWSBI pens are also a good decision, a well engineered piston filled pen, I have bought two on the strength of recommendations in this thread and pleased to have done so.
Tomoe River paper is very thin, I think its 58gsm whereas copy paper is around 80 and cartridge paper 120+. For a long time you just couldnt buy it in the UK. Another poster has a colleague going to Japan, suggest he picks up a TR notebook whilst he is there!
I see that the Lamy is not working for you, Lamy nibs are very cheap, I wonder if a left hand nib at £4.50 might work?
http://www.tigerpens.co.uk/lamy-z50-nib-steel?utm_...
With the Lamy, I found the triangular grip uncomfortable so I won't use it again. Pretty sure the nib must have been faulty for it to be that dry.
Oh and by the way, how many of you guys with partners think that you're completely mad talking about pens and posting pictures of pens on the internet?
Mine has now got used to it!Edited by Prohibiting on Friday 31st March 20:05
Prohibiting said:
Oh and by the way, how many of you guys with partners think that you're completely mad talking about pens and posting pictures of pens on the internet? Mine has now got used to it!
I hope that she sees it as a better option as compared to what I could be doing! And she always knows what to get me for a birthday present. Mine has now got used to it!Its not such a bad hobby, not too expensive, self improving and something we can share with younger members of the family. It is always surprising how many people notice your pen and ask questions.
If you buy vintage pens you soon learn how to fix them and restore them to new condition, another skill.
Robbo 27 said:
Prohibiting said:
Oh and by the way, how many of you guys with partners think that you're completely mad talking about pens and posting pictures of pens on the internet? Mine has now got used to it!
I hope that she sees it as a better option as compared to what I could be doing! And she always knows what to get me for a birthday present. Mine has now got used to it!Its not such a bad hobby, not too expensive, self improving and something we can share with younger members of the family. It is always surprising how many people notice your pen and ask questions.
If you buy vintage pens you soon learn how to fix them and restore them to new condition, another skill.
she flat out refuses to use the pens either
Prohibiting said:
Oh and by the way, how many of you guys with partners think that you're completely mad talking about pens and posting pictures of pens on the internet? Mine has now got used to it!
Mine totally gets it. My most recent purchase (must do a post with pictures of my little collection which started as a result of this thread - I seem to have gone down the Parker route) is a Parker 75 Custom Lacque in Green with fine nib. Mine has now got used to it!It arrived today and her first comment was, "You don't like green as a colour, so perhaps I should have this one"!
Given that it's probably the best of the ones I've got, that wasn't going to happen, (but on the lookout for one for her). The listing on eBay said near mint. Well, there's not a scratch or mark on it. I went to rinse it out, and there's no trace of ink on the converter or the nib. I'm pretty certain that it has never actually been used, so it's effectively a 30 year old new pen. Love it!
I will get some pictures sorted this weekend, but the "collection" so far includes:
First pen ordered to start it all (and still not actually arrived from China) - Jinhao X450 in black and gold. Wonder when it will eventually arrive...
Well, since ordering it, the following have been bought and delivered:
Jinhao X250
Jinhao 126
Noodler's Ahab flex fountain pen
TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen - writes really well - using this a lot at work.
Parker 51 Vac (1946) - Cedar Blue and gold cap - really good condition and new diaphragm.
Parker 51 Aero (1958) - Blue/green with alloy cap - clear signs of use, but writes really smoothly.
(51s are my favourite - especially as my late Mum had one and used it all the time).
Parker 65 - Burgundy body and gold cap
Parker 75 - Custom Lacque Green with 18 ct nib and gold cap - totally mint
Parker 75/Premier - Black Laque with 18 ct nib - lovely condition
Parker 75/Premier - Chinese Lacque with 18 ct nib - very, very good condition
I've said that's it for now (apart from a snipe bid on a Pelikan in a few days time)!!
I also appear to have bought a range of different inks (well with a variety of pens, you can't fill them all with the same ink can you).
After a few samples, seem to have bought:
Rohrer and Klingner: Cassia, Solferino, Morinda - these seem like really good inks for a good price
Pelikan Edelstein: Topaz
Graf von Faber Castell: Moss Green, Stone Grey
Diamine: Oxblood, Eau de Nil, Tyrian Purple
B_i_tchstewie (the OP on the thread), and Robbo 27 (who has provided so much helpful and encouraging input) both have a lot to answer for, but can take comfort from the fact they are having a positive impact on many people's standard of handwriting (with an equivalent negative impact on their wallets)!!
Edited by C&C on Friday 31st March 23:39
Robbo 27 said:
Tomoe River paper is very thin, I think its 58gsm whereas copy paper is around 80 and cartridge paper 120+. For a long time you just couldnt buy it in the UK. Another poster has a colleague going to Japan, suggest he picks up a TR notebook whilst he is there!
I see that the Lamy is not working for you, Lamy nibs are very cheap, I wonder if a left hand nib at £4.50 might work?
Cheers for the tip, another one to add to the list! Whilst I find your enthusiasm contagious, you're costing me money!I see that the Lamy is not working for you, Lamy nibs are very cheap, I wonder if a left hand nib at £4.50 might work?
I'm finding similar on the Lamy - which is what drove my purchase of a medium nib after originally getting the pen in fine.
Admittedly, very rarely in normal writing - however, part of my job is drawing process flows (so boxes, arrows, etc.) which is where I mostly find the problem. I did wonder if it might be the Montblanc ink I'm using, but reviews suggest it's pretty free flowing.
Thanks to Wong, think I'm set on my 'pen for life' for my 35th - Sailor ProGear 1911L medium nib with rhodium trim. Seems the best price is from pen-house on rakuten. Going to email a contact in Japan to find out if they have a bricks and mortar shop, as the rhodium isn't shown on rakuten. Hopefully, if they're in Tokyo or Hiroshima my mate/colleague can pop in and pick it up in person. He's there for three weeks so should be fine.
Saying that, I wonder if the Sailor factory has an outlet at low prices?
An odd thing about Japan is they tend to keep special editions to themselves - Think JDM cars. I'm also in to watches, and there were quite a few Seikos that they didn't bother to market overseas. They've only started pushing Grand Seiko abroad recently. So, there may be lots of "unknown outside Japan" pens there.
[quote=C&C]
I will get some pictures sorted this weekend, but the "collection" so far includes:
First pen ordered to start it all (and still not actually arrived from China) - Jinhao X450 in black and gold. Wonder when it will eventually arrive...
Well, since ordering it, the following have been bought and delivered:
Jinhao X250
Jinhao 126
Noodler's Ahab flex fountain pen
TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen - writes really well - using this a lot at work.
Parker 51 Vac (1946) - Cedar Blue and gold cap - really good condition and new diaphragm.
Parker 51 Aero (1958) - Blue/green with alloy cap - clear signs of use, but writes really smoothly.
(51s are my favourite - especially as my late Mum had one and used it all the time).
Parker 65 - Burgundy body and gold cap
Parker 75 - Custom Lacque Green with 18 ct nib and gold cap - totally mint
Parker 75/Premier - Black Laque with 18 ct nib - lovely condition
Parker 75/Premier - Chinese Lacque with 18 ct nib - very, very good condition
I've said that's it for now (apart from a snipe bid on a Pelikan in a few days time)!!
I also appear to have bought a range of different inks (well with a variety of pens, you can't fill them all with the same ink can you).
After a few samples, seem to have bought:
Rohrer and Klingner: Cassia, Solferino, Morinda - these seem like really good inks for a good price
Pelikan Edelstein: Topaz
Graf von Faber Castell: Moss Green, Stone Grey
Diamine: Oxblood, Eau de Nil, Tyrian Purple
B_i_tchstewie (the OP on the thread), and Robbo 27 (who has provided so much helpful and encouraging input) both have a lot to answer for, but can take comfort from the fact they are having a positive impact on many people's standard of handwriting (with an equivalent negative impact on their wallets)!!
[/quote]
Thats an impressive collection, amongst the best pens that Parkers have produced. I appreciate that this wasnt the intention but they should also be giving you a good return. 10 years ago you could buy a 51 for under £10, At a pen show five years ago I bought 10 for £20 each, very difficult to find a 51 now for less than £45 and internet shops are often at £100+. I have seen Parker 75s at £200+, five years ago they were around £35.
I am not sure if it makes sense to both apologise and thank a person for their comments - but I will.
I will get some pictures sorted this weekend, but the "collection" so far includes:
First pen ordered to start it all (and still not actually arrived from China) - Jinhao X450 in black and gold. Wonder when it will eventually arrive...
Well, since ordering it, the following have been bought and delivered:
Jinhao X250
Jinhao 126
Noodler's Ahab flex fountain pen
TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen - writes really well - using this a lot at work.
Parker 51 Vac (1946) - Cedar Blue and gold cap - really good condition and new diaphragm.
Parker 51 Aero (1958) - Blue/green with alloy cap - clear signs of use, but writes really smoothly.
(51s are my favourite - especially as my late Mum had one and used it all the time).
Parker 65 - Burgundy body and gold cap
Parker 75 - Custom Lacque Green with 18 ct nib and gold cap - totally mint
Parker 75/Premier - Black Laque with 18 ct nib - lovely condition
Parker 75/Premier - Chinese Lacque with 18 ct nib - very, very good condition
I've said that's it for now (apart from a snipe bid on a Pelikan in a few days time)!!
I also appear to have bought a range of different inks (well with a variety of pens, you can't fill them all with the same ink can you).
After a few samples, seem to have bought:
Rohrer and Klingner: Cassia, Solferino, Morinda - these seem like really good inks for a good price
Pelikan Edelstein: Topaz
Graf von Faber Castell: Moss Green, Stone Grey
Diamine: Oxblood, Eau de Nil, Tyrian Purple
B_i_tchstewie (the OP on the thread), and Robbo 27 (who has provided so much helpful and encouraging input) both have a lot to answer for, but can take comfort from the fact they are having a positive impact on many people's standard of handwriting (with an equivalent negative impact on their wallets)!!
[/quote]
Thats an impressive collection, amongst the best pens that Parkers have produced. I appreciate that this wasnt the intention but they should also be giving you a good return. 10 years ago you could buy a 51 for under £10, At a pen show five years ago I bought 10 for £20 each, very difficult to find a 51 now for less than £45 and internet shops are often at £100+. I have seen Parker 75s at £200+, five years ago they were around £35.
I am not sure if it makes sense to both apologise and thank a person for their comments - but I will.
CandC said:
I've said that's it for now (apart from a snipe bid on a Pelikan in a few days time)!!
What Pelikan are you eyeing up? Last week I watched a mint flagship Pelikan M1000 end on £295. When deciding on my M800, first I was looking at the M200, then the m600, then reading about the size and metal fittings of the M800, I was sold .I paid £300 for my brand new M800 + £35 for a nib expert to fine tune it for me. Most people would think that £335 is insane to spend on a pen, but personally, considering the equality and the perfect writing experience that it provides, I think that's good value.
Robbo 27 said:
10 years ago you could buy a 51 for under £10, At a pen show five years ago I bought 10 for £20 each, very difficult to find a 51 now for less than £45 and internet shops are often at £100+.
Well that's depressing news for buying. 
Just as well you mentioned though, as I am off to an Antiques, Collectables, and Craft fair today and the chap who sells fountain pens will possibly be there. I was hoping to get a Parker 51 if he had one. But at those prices I will have to think very hard.
ClockworkCupcake said:
Well that's depressing news for buying.
Just as well you mentioned though, as I am off to an Antiques, Collectables, and Craft fair today and the chap who sells fountain pens will possibly be there. I was hoping to get a Parker 51 if he had one. But at those prices I will have to think very hard.
At a Craft Fair you may be in a better position, if you can find a 51 without cracks in the barrel, look around the thread for L shaped cracks, no dents in the cap and a reasonable looking nib for under £35 then buy it. Some cheaper 51s have the owners name engraved on the barrel, you will need to take a view on this, some buyers dont mind. Open up the barrel and check that it says Parker 51 on the filler, some sellers have been known to try and pass off a Parker 21 or a Hero as a Parker 51. All Parker 51 parts are available, like car repairs there comes a point where you need to spend more on making it perfect than you would need to spend on something perfect.Just as well you mentioned though, as I am off to an Antiques, Collectables, and Craft fair today and the chap who sells fountain pens will possibly be there. I was hoping to get a Parker 51 if he had one. But at those prices I will have to think very hard.
Going to a pen show this weekend,
http://www.ukpenshows.co.uk/northern-pen-show/
Robbo 27 said:
I dont have many pens left, over the past 3 years I have sold or given away around 300 pens and have around 20 today. I had two specialist areas which was Montblancs before 1960 and Parker from 1925 to 1960. the ones that I have left have a bit of a story to them
I can see why you have kept the pens you have, all very nice and with an interested history behind them. Your Esterbrook set is very attractive. I could see that sort of panel beaten style being popular on a modern pen.
AlexC1981 said:
I can see why you have kept the pens you have, all very nice and with an interested history behind them.
Your Esterbrook set is very attractive. I could see that sort of panel beaten style being popular on a modern pen.
Esterbrooks are not too expensive, if you are in the market for one look for the J model, the largest of the three sizes but be alert for long cracks in the cap. If its an ebay sale ask the question - are there any cracks in the pen. Your Esterbrook set is very attractive. I could see that sort of panel beaten style being popular on a modern pen.
I bought that set about three years ago, around £17 from memory.
Here's my lot, from left to right in the order they were acquired.
Sheaffer Triumph Imperial (Dads old pen, not using as it's too broad and wet).
Parker 45 Harlequin (another of Dads old pens)
Parker Vector (school pen)
Parker 15 Jotter
Jinhao Y6 (reground to stub by me and since retired)
Jinhao 159
Jinhao 126 (not in pic, where have you gone?)
Pilot Pluminix (fine stub)
Pilot 78G (broad stub)
Parker Classic
Cross Century
Parker 45
Hero 616
Hero 616 Jumbo (2 No.)
Jinhao 911
Platignum 75 (gift from Exige)
Jnhao X750
Jinhao 163
Jinhao 8802
Baoer 508 (not in pic, not yet arrived)
Sheaffer Triumph Imperial (Dads old pen, not using as it's too broad and wet).
Parker 45 Harlequin (another of Dads old pens)
Parker Vector (school pen)
Parker 15 Jotter
Jinhao Y6 (reground to stub by me and since retired)
Jinhao 159
Jinhao 126 (not in pic, where have you gone?)
Pilot Pluminix (fine stub)
Pilot 78G (broad stub)
Parker Classic
Cross Century
Parker 45
Hero 616
Hero 616 Jumbo (2 No.)
Jinhao 911
Platignum 75 (gift from Exige)
Jnhao X750
Jinhao 163
Jinhao 8802
Baoer 508 (not in pic, not yet arrived)
Edited by AlexC1981 on Saturday 1st April 13:09
Just bought a Parker 51 in Teal and an early Parker 61 capillary. Both in excellent condition. Seller wanted £35 and £45 respectively, I asked for a package price and he suggested £70, I countered with £65, and he accepted.
Photos to follow when I get home. And also photos of all his pens as he was happy for me to take photos.
I brought my Sheaffer Targa set to show him (in its new case - thank you Rob) to show not sell, and he liked it. He had a boxed Targa two pen set in stainless steel / Flighter which was £65. Says steel pens are less popular these days. He also had a Sheaffer Cartridge (looks similar to the 440 but has an arrow head cutout rather than diamond) but I figured that was too close to what I had already, plus I'm not so keen on that nib shape.
Anyway, pics when I get home later.
Photos to follow when I get home. And also photos of all his pens as he was happy for me to take photos.
I brought my Sheaffer Targa set to show him (in its new case - thank you Rob) to show not sell, and he liked it. He had a boxed Targa two pen set in stainless steel / Flighter which was £65. Says steel pens are less popular these days. He also had a Sheaffer Cartridge (looks similar to the 440 but has an arrow head cutout rather than diamond) but I figured that was too close to what I had already, plus I'm not so keen on that nib shape.
Anyway, pics when I get home later.
Edited by ClockworkCupcake on Saturday 1st April 10:31
ClockworkCupcake said:
Just bought a Parker 51 in Teal and an early Parker 61 capillary. Both in excellent condition. Seller wanted £35 and £45 respectively, I asked for a package price and he suggested £70, I countered with £65, and he accepted.
Photos to follow when I get home. And also photos of all his pens as he was happy for me to take photos.
I brought my Sheaffer Targa set to show him (in its new case - thank you Rob) to show not sell, and he liked it. He had a boxed Targa two pen set in stainless steel / Flighter which was £65. Says steel pens are less popular these days. He also had a Sheaffer Cartridge (looks similar to the 440 but has an arrow head cutout rather than diamond) but I figured that was too close to what I had already, plus I'm not so keen on that nib shape.
Anyway, pics when I get home later.
You did very well on the 51 and 61, looking forward to seeing the pics.Photos to follow when I get home. And also photos of all his pens as he was happy for me to take photos.
I brought my Sheaffer Targa set to show him (in its new case - thank you Rob) to show not sell, and he liked it. He had a boxed Targa two pen set in stainless steel / Flighter which was £65. Says steel pens are less popular these days. He also had a Sheaffer Cartridge (looks similar to the 440 but has an arrow head cutout rather than diamond) but I figured that was too close to what I had already, plus I'm not so keen on that nib shape.
Anyway, pics when I get home later.
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