Do you use a fountain pen?
Discussion
Robbo 27 said:
If you prefer mechanical watches because they of the idea of a craftsman made product with tradition, style and the idea that they need nurturing and care then there is a parallel between pens with nibs mechanical watches.
It is difficult to have a form of expression through the ink to the page with a ball point or a rollerball, a pen with a nib and ink can make that connection, a fountain pen is more that a writing tool.
FPs are not for everyone, some may feel they are abit of a faff. You can try them out very cheaply, under £5, and give it away if they are not for you. there are may opportunities to move up the ladder of you enjoy the experience and many people think that there is a good partnership between a classic watch and gentleman's pen.
The difficulty is that you start with a good watch, then a compliementary pen, then you want a good Midori notebook and then you need something in leather to hold them allIt is difficult to have a form of expression through the ink to the page with a ball point or a rollerball, a pen with a nib and ink can make that connection, a fountain pen is more that a writing tool.
FPs are not for everyone, some may feel they are abit of a faff. You can try them out very cheaply, under £5, and give it away if they are not for you. there are may opportunities to move up the ladder of you enjoy the experience and many people think that there is a good partnership between a classic watch and gentleman's pen.
Justayellowbadge said:
Just need some ink now..
Fanatastic pen, really impressive.I know its a bit OCD but you may want to think about staying with the pen makers ink:
https://www.thepencompany.com/product/montegrappa-...
But MB cornpoppy red would also look superb.
AlexC1981 said:
I had to wash it to get the stench out! I suppose it must be mould. It was quite a strong smell, noticeable from the moment I opened the parcel. I couldn't see any fluff though.
The section unscrewed after a brief soak and the dirt and ink stains have come off really easily, in stark contrast to all the work it took to get them off the gold Platignum.
I've taken the lever and bar out. I had always planned to do this because of the splaying out around the lever slot which must have been caused by the outward pressure of the retaining ring. I think the only way to fix this will be by taking a risk and giving it a long soak in the hope it softens and can be put back to shape in the same way as I did the black Platignum. I have a feeling the Osmiroid isn't casein. If it isn't I'll just have to leave the splaying as it is. It is not as bad as it appears in the photos. It's got some denting to the end caused by a pen nibbler. If it swells up that might help fix it, if not, I'll have a lot of sanding to do.
I used this guide to remove the lever:
http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref/repair/lever...
The nib looks good. It's not a calligraphy nib, only an Osmiroid soft medium Rola tip, which is a sort of rolled over tip. Similar to the folded ones, but folded under rather than sideways. I'll get a photo up to explain what I mean and a few others when I have had a chance to do a bit more to it. Thanks for the info on the Esterbrook nibs. It's similar to the "quick change" nib cartridge system used on my Platignum Gold Tone.
I just watched the review thanks. On the back of it, I've just put a bid on an old Osmiroid calligraphy set on eBay.
I have just a had a look through my nibs and cannot find an osmiroid in case you wanted to replace it with an original, others may fit.The section unscrewed after a brief soak and the dirt and ink stains have come off really easily, in stark contrast to all the work it took to get them off the gold Platignum.
I've taken the lever and bar out. I had always planned to do this because of the splaying out around the lever slot which must have been caused by the outward pressure of the retaining ring. I think the only way to fix this will be by taking a risk and giving it a long soak in the hope it softens and can be put back to shape in the same way as I did the black Platignum. I have a feeling the Osmiroid isn't casein. If it isn't I'll just have to leave the splaying as it is. It is not as bad as it appears in the photos. It's got some denting to the end caused by a pen nibbler. If it swells up that might help fix it, if not, I'll have a lot of sanding to do.
I used this guide to remove the lever:
http://www.richardspens.com/?page=ref/repair/lever...
The nib looks good. It's not a calligraphy nib, only an Osmiroid soft medium Rola tip, which is a sort of rolled over tip. Similar to the folded ones, but folded under rather than sideways. I'll get a photo up to explain what I mean and a few others when I have had a chance to do a bit more to it. Thanks for the info on the Esterbrook nibs. It's similar to the "quick change" nib cartridge system used on my Platignum Gold Tone.
I just watched the review thanks. On the back of it, I've just put a bid on an old Osmiroid calligraphy set on eBay.
Impressed on the removal of the lever. This is often very fiddly work and turned away by some pen restorers. If ever you see a Conway Stewart Dinkie with a broken lever walk away however low theprice, they are nearly impossible to replace die to the thinness of the barrel and the fragility of the material.
Looking forward to the after pics.
ClockworkCupcake said:
Another of my eBay purchases arrived from China today, this time the Jinhao 126
This is a slim pen with hooded nib, not dissimilar to the Hero 448. However, it is longer and weightier than the Hero.
[
Mine unfortunately arrived with a gouge on the barrel.
The pen itself is ok, but I can't say I really like it. Never mind, it was only £1.91 inc P&P so it's not like it is the end of the world.
Its quite a classic looking pen, but a pity about the mark on the barrel.This is a slim pen with hooded nib, not dissimilar to the Hero 448. However, it is longer and weightier than the Hero.
[
Mine unfortunately arrived with a gouge on the barrel.
The pen itself is ok, but I can't say I really like it. Never mind, it was only £1.91 inc P&P so it's not like it is the end of the world.
If you cannot live with the chrome section and want to use the pen then you might want to try for a brushed effect such as on this Lamy
Perhaps using a brass brush working up to a something more abrasive as needed.
Good luck.
Robbo 27 said:
If you cannot live with the chrome section and want to use the pen then you might want to try for a brushed effect such as on this Lamy
Oh I rather like that. Thanks! 
I think I will just keep the 126 "as is" and maybe give it away. I know my sister has mentioned that her kids might be wanting to try fountain pens so I can always pass it on. Or else just keep it as part of a Jinhao collection. At these prices it's not the end of the world if you buy a few pens you're not keen on.
Finally had a chance to catch up with colleague. He's brought me some goodies! 
First up, my new favourite:
Now I won't say what he's charged me for this, bur significantly under £75. Looking online, it would appear this is exceptionally lower than it would go for on the wider market - not that I'm planning to sell.
Then he pulled this case out:
From left - Rotring telescopic thingy, Rotring Initial, Parker 45, Parker Frontier (x2) - all these I've been gifted. He's really a very nice chap...
Then on the right there's a Parker Sonnet (which I like the look of, but am cognizant of thr issues that Robbo pointed out, and am not really fussed about), and the Duofold. He let me know the price of each, and has let me take them away to try, although I don't think I'll bother inking up the Sonnet.
Finally, two more Parker boxes, this time an Ellipse (iirc), which I don't think they made too many of, and a trio of hooded nib yet colourful ones I can't remember the name of.
The Ellipse seems quite nice. Feels like a metal barrel, interesting nib and feed. The other three are quite small, but again seem pretty nice. Can have them for a 'reasonable' price. Gonna have a think, perhaps for the kids and other half as presents.
Overall, very happy. Not much spent, lots of new pens to try, and enough left in the kitty for other colleague to buy me some pleasant things from Tokyo...
Chuffed Sway!
First up, my new favourite:
Now I won't say what he's charged me for this, bur significantly under £75. Looking online, it would appear this is exceptionally lower than it would go for on the wider market - not that I'm planning to sell.
Then he pulled this case out:
From left - Rotring telescopic thingy, Rotring Initial, Parker 45, Parker Frontier (x2) - all these I've been gifted. He's really a very nice chap...
Then on the right there's a Parker Sonnet (which I like the look of, but am cognizant of thr issues that Robbo pointed out, and am not really fussed about), and the Duofold. He let me know the price of each, and has let me take them away to try, although I don't think I'll bother inking up the Sonnet.
Finally, two more Parker boxes, this time an Ellipse (iirc), which I don't think they made too many of, and a trio of hooded nib yet colourful ones I can't remember the name of.
The Ellipse seems quite nice. Feels like a metal barrel, interesting nib and feed. The other three are quite small, but again seem pretty nice. Can have them for a 'reasonable' price. Gonna have a think, perhaps for the kids and other half as presents.
Overall, very happy. Not much spent, lots of new pens to try, and enough left in the kitty for other colleague to buy me some pleasant things from Tokyo...
Chuffed Sway!
A Treasure trove
The Duofold is an absolute bargain, easily worth double the price and increasing all the time.
Nice collection of Rotrings, Parkers and Frontiers.
Sonnets can be a problem, some people swear by them and others swear at them, if you get a bad one it is unfixable, even by Parker. Also difficult to sell on because China is making direct copies - as opposed to hommage type Sonnets - so buyers are wary.
I have owned two and said I would never own another, I have seen many for repair and sent them back.
The Ellipse was only made for a short time and you never see them for sale, they were quite expesive when new, from memory around £100 and they didnt do well in the shops. People want them now of course and they are hard to find.
Very nice find, these things happen once in a lifetime, make the most of it!
The Duofold is an absolute bargain, easily worth double the price and increasing all the time.
Nice collection of Rotrings, Parkers and Frontiers.
Sonnets can be a problem, some people swear by them and others swear at them, if you get a bad one it is unfixable, even by Parker. Also difficult to sell on because China is making direct copies - as opposed to hommage type Sonnets - so buyers are wary.
I have owned two and said I would never own another, I have seen many for repair and sent them back.
The Ellipse was only made for a short time and you never see them for sale, they were quite expesive when new, from memory around £100 and they didnt do well in the shops. People want them now of course and they are hard to find.
Very nice find, these things happen once in a lifetime, make the most of it!
Just arrived home, to a flock of vultures!
Better half has decided she really does deserve the Ellipse, 11yo daughter has smelt the allure of the 45, and 9yo son has decided there is a certain something about the resin and steel Frontier... All are now currently writing with their new acquisitions, all with a different coloured ink.
Blimey, it's only supposed to be me in the family with ex'pen'sive hobbies!
Really quite pleased they see the appeal too...
Better half has decided she really does deserve the Ellipse, 11yo daughter has smelt the allure of the 45, and 9yo son has decided there is a certain something about the resin and steel Frontier... All are now currently writing with their new acquisitions, all with a different coloured ink.
Blimey, it's only supposed to be me in the family with ex'pen'sive hobbies!
Really quite pleased they see the appeal too...
Sway said:
Just arrived home, to a flock of vultures!
Better half has decided she really does deserve the Ellipse, 11yo daughter has smelt the allure of the 45, and 9yo son has decided there is a certain something about the resin and steel Frontier... All are now currently writing with their new acquisitions, all with a different coloured ink.
Blimey, it's only supposed to be me in the family with ex'pen'sive hobbies!
Really quite pleased they see the appeal too...
I think that would make me very proud of my family. I would have thought they will remember the day when they started using Dads pensBetter half has decided she really does deserve the Ellipse, 11yo daughter has smelt the allure of the 45, and 9yo son has decided there is a certain something about the resin and steel Frontier... All are now currently writing with their new acquisitions, all with a different coloured ink.
Blimey, it's only supposed to be me in the family with ex'pen'sive hobbies!
Really quite pleased they see the appeal too...
Robbo 27 said:
I think that would make me very proud of my family. I would have thought they will remember the day when they started using Dads pens
Let's hope so, when I'm old and in need of someone to save me from a nursing home!Son isn't allowed to use a fountain pen at school, which I find odd, but he's quite a writer anyway at home jotting down little stories.
Daughter has to write a lot at school and in homework, but weirdly they don't let them use pens in maths?
Other half has had a major op to one of her femurs (and is having the other one sorted in a few months after the first has healed), so has started writing a book for pleasure and boredom relief. It'll be dross (that's her words, not mine!) but therapeutic.
So all three will get plenty of use, and hopefully they'll all avoid the terrible handwriting I've developed through years of bad practice in the office?
Sway said:
Let's hope so, when I'm old and in need of someone to save me from a nursing home!
Son isn't allowed to use a fountain pen at school, which I find odd, but he's quite a writer anyway at home jotting down little stories.
Daughter has to write a lot at school and in homework, but weirdly they don't let them use pens in maths?
Other half has had a major op to one of her femurs (and is having the other one sorted in a few months after the first has healed), so has started writing a book for pleasure and boredom relief. It'll be dross (that's her words, not mine!) but therapeutic.
So all three will get plenty of use, and hopefully they'll all avoid the terrible handwriting I've developed through years of bad practice in the office?
Next trip is a visit to Rymans to buy a journal for their notes/book/sketches/scrap books and so on. Great to have a new book for their holidays, keeping notes of what they see and do. Son isn't allowed to use a fountain pen at school, which I find odd, but he's quite a writer anyway at home jotting down little stories.
Daughter has to write a lot at school and in homework, but weirdly they don't let them use pens in maths?
Other half has had a major op to one of her femurs (and is having the other one sorted in a few months after the first has healed), so has started writing a book for pleasure and boredom relief. It'll be dross (that's her words, not mine!) but therapeutic.
So all three will get plenty of use, and hopefully they'll all avoid the terrible handwriting I've developed through years of bad practice in the office?
I was already a fountain pen user and bought a Jinhao x750 a few months ago after reading this thread.
I like the pen, the weight of it is perfect for me and for £2.89 it's an absolute bargain. Yesterday however the converter broke whilst I was refilling, the small rubber bung on the end of the plunger seems to have become detached. Can anybody advise on where I can buy a replacement ?
I bought another x750 in the mean time, at these process it'd be rude not to !
I like the pen, the weight of it is perfect for me and for £2.89 it's an absolute bargain. Yesterday however the converter broke whilst I was refilling, the small rubber bung on the end of the plunger seems to have become detached. Can anybody advise on where I can buy a replacement ?
I bought another x750 in the mean time, at these process it'd be rude not to !
GreenDog said:
I was already a fountain pen user and bought a Jinhao x750 a few months ago after reading this thread.
I like the pen, the weight of it is perfect for me and for £2.89 it's an absolute bargain. Yesterday however the converter broke whilst I was refilling, the small rubber bung on the end of the plunger seems to have become detached. Can anybody advise on where I can buy a replacement ?
I bought another x750 in the mean time, at these process it'd be rude not to !
One of the crazy things about the Jinhao pen pricing is that it will cost you more to buy a UK sourced converter than you can buy a complete pen and converter from China, and, unlike China, you will also be charged for delivery.I like the pen, the weight of it is perfect for me and for £2.89 it's an absolute bargain. Yesterday however the converter broke whilst I was refilling, the small rubber bung on the end of the plunger seems to have become detached. Can anybody advise on where I can buy a replacement ?
I bought another x750 in the mean time, at these process it'd be rude not to !
The Writing Desk sell them
https://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/showproduct.php?b...
The type you are looking for is International, or you could just use cartridges.
Suggest that you have the first fill of the converter and pen with some warm water with a drop of detergent, stops any surface tension inside the converter.
And I agree on the 750, perfect size and available in attractive finishes, all for under £3 for something that will last forever.
If you are stuck for a converter, let me know and I will put one in the mail.
Edited by Robbo 27 on Friday 21st April 08:42
GreenDog said:
Thanks for the speedy response, it reminded me that I had a pack of Quink blue cartridges in my desk drawer at work and the pen is up and running again.
The new X750 is on its way already, can't have too many of these I suppose
I doubt think that Parker cartridges will fit, some have said they are ok but I keep trying them and they dont work for me, maybe if I used a hammer!The new X750 is on its way already, can't have too many of these I suppose
Robbo 27 said:
One of the crazy things about the Jinhao pen pricing is that it will cost you more to buy a UK sourced converter than you can buy a complete pen and converter from China, and, unlike China, you will also be charged for delivery.
So true. I've bought 5 converters for £5.99 - because that works out cheaper. Still more expensive than if I'd just bought 5 complete Jinhaos.
Dear Marjorie Proops
Can you help me please?
Some months ago, I started out, in what I thought was an innocent way by buying a Jinhao fountain pen. I am not sure how much it was, but let's say less than two of your English pounds.
I have now bought six. One I sold to a friend, who, in turn, has bought three more. I am now thinking of buying more!
Where can I go? Is there a branch of FPAA (Fountain Pen Addicts Anonymous) in Surrey?
Personally I blame the Chinese, if they didn't make such cheap pens with free postage, I wouldn't have become addicted.
P.S. My handwriting is still appalling!
Can you help me please?
Some months ago, I started out, in what I thought was an innocent way by buying a Jinhao fountain pen. I am not sure how much it was, but let's say less than two of your English pounds.
I have now bought six. One I sold to a friend, who, in turn, has bought three more. I am now thinking of buying more!
Where can I go? Is there a branch of FPAA (Fountain Pen Addicts Anonymous) in Surrey?
Personally I blame the Chinese, if they didn't make such cheap pens with free postage, I wouldn't have become addicted.
P.S. My handwriting is still appalling!
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