Calling all pen experts

[toohuge]

Gents,

I figured that this was the best place to ask. Do any of you know about pens?

I am thinking of getting swmbo a fountain pen and watch for her birthday, watch front is sorted I know about those so I am hoping that I do not get my trousers pulled down. Pens however I have no idea. The pen needs to be purchased before June so I do not really have enough time to know the market all that well.

I have no idea what is good and what is not. What I do not want to do is to buy something that the masses may think is good but is in fact not all that great.

I have been looking at Mont Blanc as a starting point (dare I say obviously) but I fear that this may be the same as someone buying a Tag as a nice watch do you get my drift.

What are the good makes of pens around? So far all that I have seen in the (i know pathetic) local jewellers is Mont Blanc, Cross, Parker, Waterman and Sheaffer.

What else can I look at?

Quick Spec:
Must be a fountain pen
If it contains a precious metal then it has to be platinum (I do not like gold nor does she)
Must be special that's about all really.
Budget max: 300 (approx)

All suggestions welcome, those that know me are aware that I like some of the more quirky ideas out there.

Many thanks from a man in need.

Chris

[krusty]

I've got a Namiki Pilot M90 and I'd recommend that. It's ergonomic and a design classic.

[Dominic H]

Beautiful pen Krusty..

TH-you have mail...

Edited by Dominic H on Wednesday 3rd March 08:21

[toohuge]

krusty said:

I've got a Namiki Pilot M90 and I'd recommend that. It's ergonomic and a design classic.

That's nice!

Dom, thanks for the mail

[andy_s]

I've got a 1971 MYU, lovely pens.

[elster]

I find a pen even more personal than a watch.

As you have to find it comfortable to use.

Personally I have a Dimplomat which is very comfy to write with. I also chose not to have a fountain pen, as I find using ink a bit of a pain when turning pages constantly and smudging becomes an issue.

[ascayman]

bought my wife this for her b'day



was about 9months or so ago and she still hasnt stopped 'thanking' me if you know what i mean;)

[Dibby]

My good lady would leave me if on her birthday I presented her with ... a £300 pen

Very best of luck to you in the hunt for a suitable pen. Why not try a specialist pen shop and see which one you like the best, the internet will be full of people's individual preferences

[blueg33]

I like Pelikan pens. I have a Pelikan Chicago (limited edition) I use it daily at work, its excellent, not too big or too small, good balance, superb knib, reliable filling, never leaks an dthe diamond polished finish is very nice to the touch.

Google Pelikan and you will see the range. Mine was circa £250 retail

[Emsman]

Slightly different choice here, but i got mrs emsman a dunhill for her birthday a couple of years ago.

Superb pen, well made, easy to fill, no leakage at all and not badly priced if you shop around

[andy_s]

Mine got a £500 washing machine for Valentines day (well, a few days after). Weeeell, it's a step up from the ice-scraper I got her at Christmas.

[toohuge]

ascayman said:

bought my wife this for her b'day



was about 9months or so ago and she still hasnt stopped 'thanking' me if you know what i mean;)

Thanks for all your replies, I am not sure why your OH would leave you for that?

I think that Mont Blanc above is way out of the price range, otherwise I would have gone for that.

I have looked at the Dunhill models and some are very nice, but are they actually good pens?

Chris

[blueg33]

toohuge said:

ascayman said:

bought my wife this for her b'day



was about 9months or so ago and she still hasnt stopped 'thanking' me if you know what i mean;)

Thanks for all your replies, I am not sure why your OH would leave you for that?

I think that Mont Blanc above is way out of the price range, otherwise I would have gone for that.

I have looked at the Dunhill models and some are very nice, but are they actually good pens?

Chris

Are Montblanc acutally good pens? Everyone I know that has one (about 10 people with them) has problems and they keep sending them back for service etc. Thats why I bought a Pelikan. There are pen review sites on the web

[996nick]

The better half wanted a decent pen for a gift recently. Like you I looked at mont Blanc (I have a couple myself and like them). However, when I went to a specialist shop, I was persuaded to buy a Yard-o-Led pen. This is a British make, you can get them in sterling silver (not platinum I appreciate but they are heavy and well balanced), and feel much more substantial than a mont blanc for the same money. They come in helpful "handbag friendly" sizes and have a free pouch (not leather but it was free unlike the MB) as well. I am not a salesman for Yard-o-Led just a satisfied customer with a happy other half. I got a good deal as well. I bought a ballpoint for half your budget, so I am sure you could get a FP in your price range. Good luck!

[toohuge]

Thanks Nick, yes I have been looking at those too. Very nice.

In fact there are lots of nice pieces out there, just like watches

[ascayman]

blueg33 said:

toohuge said:

ascayman said:

bought my wife this for her b'day



was about 9months or so ago and she still hasnt stopped 'thanking' me if you know what i mean;)

Thanks for all your replies, I am not sure why your OH would leave you for that?

I think that Mont Blanc above is way out of the price range, otherwise I would have gone for that.

I have looked at the Dunhill models and some are very nice, but are they actually good pens?

Chris

Are Montblanc acutally good pens? Everyone I know that has one (about 10 people with them) has problems and they keep sending them back for service etc. Thats why I bought a Pelikan. There are pen review sites on the web

ive had my three for well over 10 years without a single problem.

[blueg33]

ascayman said:

blueg33 said:

toohuge said:

ascayman said:

bought my wife this for her b'day



was about 9months or so ago and she still hasnt stopped 'thanking' me if you know what i mean;)

Thanks for all your replies, I am not sure why your OH would leave you for that?

I think that Mont Blanc above is way out of the price range, otherwise I would have gone for that.

I have looked at the Dunhill models and some are very nice, but are they actually good pens?

Chris

Are Montblanc acutally good pens? Everyone I know that has one (about 10 people with them) has problems and they keep sending them back for service etc. Thats why I bought a Pelikan. There are pen review sites on the web

ive had my three for well over 10 years without a single problem.

Thats good I wonder if some people use wrong inks etc which can clog them. I swear by waterman Royal Blue, good colour, doesnt clog but is a bit smelly until dry

[seaninog]

ascayman said:

bought my wife this for her b'day...

...was about 9months or so ago and she still hasnt stopped 'thanking' me if you know what i mean;)

Er... too much information..?!

[Big_Dog]

My mate bought me a cross fountain pen for my last birthday, its a truly lovely thing to own and not too 'wave your wad' to use anywhere.
This is probably a bit chunky for a typical ladies pen. They do have quite a range though. Well worth a look.

http://www.cross.com/catalog/pendetail.aspx?cat_na...

[paulrhodes]

http://www.thepenzone.co.uk/acatalog/C-Series.html

I bought the fountain pen in this range. I sat in Joon in New York for a good hour or so trying out all sorts of pens both more expensive and a little cheaper in price and I just found it amazing.

Looks great, nice weight, evenly balanced and lifetime warranty.