Converters - Converters everywhere!

[dexutter]

Howdy folks! I have been on an FP kick for a few months now. It all started with last year's contributors drive. I 'won' an Edison Herald with a 1.5mm Stub. It's a fantastic pen, but not an everyday carry. So I picked up a metro and a couple eyedropper converted preppy's. All good. However, I have since picked up a couple pens at Daiso Japan. They're cheap (one is a Jinhao knockoff I believe) but write pretty well. When I picked up the first one, I hopped online and bought a Schmidt international converter (I also, swapped out for a flex nib for fun). The converter is great, but $6-7. Not a lot, but there are a couple $1.50 FP's at daiso that take international cartridges that I'm wanting to convert.

The question is: Should I stick with the Schmidt, or has anyone had success with the Jinhao converters (they're incredibly cheap) or Picasso converters (5 for $9)? I'm really just looking to have a few pens for everyday work carry that have a variety of colors inked. Thanks!

 

[Claudel Xerxes]

Since they're inexpensive, you could always pick up a couple of each to see for yourself. I can't remember ever having any problems with my Jinhao converters, but then again, I've only used two of them, and I didn't use either very often.

 

[NinthSphere]

Yeah, I haven't used any of my Jinhao converters as extensively as some of my Schmidts, but they haven't given me any trouble. I actually replaced a Schmidt that was leaking behind the piston with a Jinhao last week & it seemed to work better than before the swap was made necessary. Can only speak for the black knob twist converters, but they're worth asking price at least.

 

[dexutter]

Since they're inexpensive, you could always pick up a couple of each to see for yourself. I can't remember ever having any problems with my Jinhao converters, but then again, I've only used two of them, and I didn't use either very often.

Yeah, I haven't used any of my Jinhao converters as extensively as some of my Schmidts, but they haven't given me any trouble. I actually replaced a Schmidt that was leaking behind the piston with a Jinhao last week & it seemed to work better than before the swap was made necessary. Can only speak for the black knob twist converters, but they're worth asking price at least.

Thanks guys! I picked up both cheap converters, and a couple Jinhao 500a's because - cheap! I think I have the most bipolar FP collection starting...

 

[Runnin_Ute]

Well if you want to get away from converters there are all kinds of options. Many at a reasonable cost. Esterbrook J series pens can be had for as little as $10, but on that lower end of the price scale it will at the very least need to have the sac replaced. It is easy to do and will require a one time investment in some materials (#16 sacs, talc and sac shellac which are available from Andersen Pens. I paid $20 shipped for three sacs, talc, shellac shipped. The talc and shellac will last for a very long time) For one that has had this done you can expect to pay $30 or so. Sacs are $2-3 each.

I have a copper J on its way and recently got a blue transitional J. (there are six basic colors in each size: black, gray, green, blue, red and copper). And the different nibs.....

In new pens the TWSBI Eco is under $30 and its a piston filler. You can sometimes find a Parker 51 or 51 Special with aerometric filler for under $50.

Just some other options if you want to try some other types of filler systems than converters.

 

[dexutter]

Well if you want to get away from converters there are all kinds of options. Many at a reasonable cost. Esterbrook J series pens can be had for as little as $10, but on that lower end of the price scale it will at the very least need to have the sac replaced. It is easy to do and will require a one time investment in some materials (#16 sacs, talc and sac shellac which are available from Andersen Pens. I paid $20 shipped for three sacs, talc, shellac shipped. The talc and shellac will last for a very long time) For one that has had this done you can expect to pay $30 or so. Sacs are $2-3 each.

I have a copper J on its way and recently got a blue transitional J. (there are six basic colors in each size: black, gray, green, blue, red and copper). And the different nibs.....

In new pens the TWSBI Eco is under $30 and its a piston filler. You can sometimes find a Parker 51 or 51 Special with aerometric filler for under $50.

Just some other options if you want to try some other types of filler systems than converters.

I know this was from mid-Feb, but I was re-reading my old post (don't ask...). As for the converters - I have some cheap pens that I've been playing with nib swapping. That's why I wanted the converters. However, the other fill systems interest me! I have a Parker 51 and 21 coming next week, and will start keeping an eye out for Esterbrook's! I'm a fan of restoring if I can!