first fountain pen advise please

[vreddy2000]

The shaving thing, I jumped right in and bought stuff,
If I knew then what I know now I would have done things differently and would not be in sabbatical right now.

I want to get into FP's, but do it right this time.

1) I want to get a Lamy safari as my first one, perhaps my only one. any other suggestions ?
( I read some reviews about this dude who tested it by dropping it on its nib and says it still works fine, I take good care of my things but my little monster angel
not so much, so something thats not delicate is a plus)
2) what nib size should I get?
3) whats this converter thingy? are there different kinds?
4) ink..I'm thinking black..(what kind should I get? )
5) what do I need to transfer ink to the converter?

I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks all!

 

[jzuzphreek]

The Lamy Safari is an excellent choice for a first pen. I'm guessing, that if you've been a member of B&B for a while, you'll figure out that ANY First ANYTHING you buy won't be your last. YMMV

1)You could also try the Pilot Metropolitan, not sure about its durability, but I try to keep my pens out of my Monster Angel's clutches.
2) What is your writing style? The Lamy comes with options, but the Pilot Metropolitan only comes with a medium sized nib. If you write tiny, you may want a fine nib, but maybe you're a bold or italics kinda guy?
3)Typically a pen will have 1 converter that will fit. The Lamy is a pen like that. Pens that are not able to be eyedropper filled (either made of metal or have holes in the barrel) are only refillable if they have a converter. GET THE CONVERTER!!
4) You'll need a good black. I like Noodler's X-Feather because it's VERY black and works well on cheap paper (takes a bit of time to dry though... that's the trade-off). But explore other colors as well. Try a Goulet Pens sampler (or 2 or 3) and find colors that suit you.
5) Just the converter. Dip the pen into the ink and twist the converter. There are some great videos at Goulet that have helped a lot of people (like me) when just starting out.

 

[Shutterbug57]

The shaving thing, I jumped right in and bought stuff,
If I knew then what I know now I would have done things differently and would not be in sabbatical right now.

I want to get into FP's, but do it right this time.

1) I want to get a Lamy safari as my first one, perhaps my only one. any other suggestions ?
( I read some reviews about this dude who tested it by dropping it on its nib and says it still works fine, I take good care of my things but my little monster angel
not so much, so something thats not delicate is a plus)

I have a few Lamy Safaris. They are good pens to use when you are concerned with either losing them or having them face tough circumstances. The are not, however, my favorite writing pens. The nib is made of steel. The same properties that give it that ability to withstand rugged treatment make if feel like you are writing with the corner of a brick. Your lines will be all the same width and the ability to express emotion through the nib is extremely limited. As to what a good first pen is, it would be really helpful to know your budget. If you can at all afford it, I strongly suggest a gold nib with an iridium ball for writing.

2) what nib size should I get?

Go to a local shop and take a few for a test drive. Nib preferences are a personal thing. I have nibs from EF to stub and I use them for different things. If I could only have one nib size, I guess I would go with a medium or broad, but that is my style - you need to find yours.

3) whats this converter thingy? are there different kinds?

The converter thingy is used on many pens that take cartridge inks. The Safari will use cartridges and the convert is basically a cartridge that has a plunger mechanism in it that allows you to fill the pen from a bottle of ink. This allows you to use colors of ink that are simply not found in cartridges.

Are there different kinds - yes. For pens that take converters and cartridges, you have plunger/piston mechanisms (like in the Safari) and bladder converters that you squeeze (like in the Parker 51 or Pilot Vanishing Point). There are probably other types of converters, but those are, in my experience, the most common.

For pens that do not take cartridges and only fill from a bottle, there are a myriad of approaches to filling them, but they can only be filled from the bottle. If you are buying new, the shopkeeper should be able to explain how what you buy works. If you buy used or from the internet, ask here and somebody will be able to help.

4) ink..I'm thinking black..(what kind should I get? )

Again, ink color is a personal preference. I personally prefer blue/black for almost all my correspondence. I have many colors, but blue/black is my workhorse.

I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks all!

I have inserted some comments in your original post. If you need more info, please just ask.

 

[BigFoot]

A lot depends on your price point. My wife has a Lamy and loves it, I don't care for it. If you have a store near you where you can go in and try a bunch of different pens that would be your best option. Also try different Nibs, I pretty much exclusively buy all my pens with a medium, others prefer only fine, or broad, or a combination depending on what they are writing.

You will get a lot of responses, but only you can judge what is best for you. Of course my Parker 51 will always be at the top of my list.

 

[vreddy2000]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far,

" The nib is made of steel. The same properties that give it that ability to withstand rugged treatment make if feel like you are writing with the corner of a brick."
Even if it starts out like a brick, as you use it does it wear in and feel smoother?

"Of course my Parker 51 will always be at the top of my list"
I just googled that and wish I din't, very nice pen though.

while I don't have a set budget, for right now I just want to try one.

sooo.. I am thinking...

Lamy safari
fine or medium nib
converter Z24
Noodler's X-Feather

how does that sound for a starter kit?

 

[Shutterbug57]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far,

" The nib is made of steel. The same properties that give it that ability to withstand rugged treatment make if feel like you are writing with the corner of a brick."
Even if it starts out like a brick, as you use it does it wear in and feel smoother?

"Of course my Parker 51 will always be at the top of my list"
I just googled that and wish I din't, very nice pen though.

while I don't have a set budget, for right now I just want to try one.

sooo.. I am thinking...

Lamy safari
fine or medium nib
converter Z24
Noodler's X-Feather

how does that sound for a starter kit?

I just posted a good chunk of my collection in the show me your collection thread. I have several Safaris. They get the job done, but the steel nib will never be as flexible as a gold nib. Different materials with different properties. There is nothing wrong with the Safari and it sounds like you are set on it. It is a decent pen, but when you get a chance, test drive a gold nibbed pen and you will see the difference.

The kit you have outlined sounds fine. The nib size is really a personal preference. A fine point can feel a bit draggy on the paper where that is not likely to happen with a medium. If you can try the fine point at the store before you buy it, you will know if it is draggy. Not all fine points are draggy.

 

[andrew98]

I'd say avoid the Lamy. I fall into the minority here, most likely. The Pilot 78G or Metropolitan are nicer writing (and looking) pens, in my opinion, and they cost less than the Safari. They should both come with converters.

You can even get a used Waterman Phileas for about $25, which is a nicer writing pen than all of those I mentioned. It'll also take international cartridges and isn't as picky about which converter it'll take. I'd say start with Pelikan Ink, Parker Quink, or one of the Diamine inks (lots of color choice). Samples are also a great way to go. Maybe pick up a bulb syringe for cleaning your pen, too. You'll want to flush the nib and feed when you change inks.

-Andy

 

[AjaxLepinski]

The Lamy Safari with a 1.1 nib is cool. The 1.5 line is a bit on the thick side but, is great for caligraphy; Gothic, Old English and for heavy script.
A regular fine nib, in fine or medium, makes nice, uniform lines, like a ball point. The 1.1 is great for general use and adds variable thickness that looks nice and is fun to use.

Definitely get a converter - it's more fun to fill from a bottle of ink than using cartridges (B&B members frown on cartridges of any type!).

If you're looking to save money, here's a good site: http://bentonclay.com
I have their Big Red, Grid and Shakespear pens. They are surprisingly well made for the price.

 

[vreddy2000]

*sigh* like Jessy said in his reply
never say never.
I definitely like "The Pilot 78G" now, mebbe I should get both? The reason I like the lamy is because it is rugged and I like the looks and it does not leak.
two pens in a starter kit is not too many is it?

I will keep my eye out for "Waterman Phileas" on the BST. thats three..k..two for now..third for later..sounds alright.

and thank you for the link to "http://bentonclay.com"

I have one more question though.

when I was little, i think first grade in a small town, fountain pens were the norm and they were used about as much for ink fights as for writing.
they would leak and a permanent blue patch on shirt pocket was the norm.
how do above pens compare?
in terms of leaking when being carried around and when flying?

 

[showcattle]

I just got my Lamy safari today, its my first good fountain pen and i can already tell I'm hooked, I got the fine to be able to take notes in my classes and it writes just how i want it to.

PS goulet's have a fountain pen 101 that talks about anything you may want to know and the cover flying with pens as well.

 

[andrew98]

when I was little, i think first grade in a small town, fountain pens were the norm and they were used about as much for ink fights as for writing. they would leak and a permanent blue patch on shirt pocket was the norm. how do above pens compare? in terms of leaking when being carried around and when flying?

A quality vintage pen shouldn't leak, as far as I know. I own mostly modern pens, and I have never had a fountain pen leak, even when flying (knock on wood). The only trick for flying is to keep the nib pointed up through the whole flight. Good luck with your search.

-Andy

 

[ShinyRex]

Hello everyone, I am new here (first post, I'll go introduce my self as soon as I hit send on this one.) but I wanted to get in on this discussion. While I have never owned a really nice fountain pen I picked up my second Lamy in 2 months today. I love the pens (Safari and Allstar, which is my fav due to its' weight) the only down side might be the finger holds. I use converters with Sailor kiwaguro and Pilot Iroshizuku inks (a little pricy but they were xmas presents). Anyway I took a trip last week and I'll confirm that the Lamy doesn't leak even on its' side in a carry on, although carrying it this way wasn't intentional.


Personally I am a fan of the extra fine nib and on quality paper I havn't noticed any dragging, but I usually write with .3mm gel pens so even an extra fine fountain pen seems bold to me. The converter is a must as you will quickly tire of being stuck with cartridges and their limited ink selection.

Best of luck!
-Roy

 

[Slivovitz]

The shaving thing, I jumped right in and bought stuff,
If I knew then what I know now I would have done things differently and would not be in sabbatical right now.

I want to get into FP's, but do it right this time.

1) I want to get a Lamy safari as my first one, perhaps my only one. any other suggestions ?
( I read some reviews about this dude who tested it by dropping it on its nib and says it still works fine, I take good care of my things but my little monster angel
not so much, so something thats not delicate is a plus)
2) what nib size should I get?
3) whats this converter thingy? are there different kinds?
4) ink..I'm thinking black..(what kind should I get? )
5) what do I need to transfer ink to the converter?

I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks all!

After buying too much shaving gear, I did something similar with pens. My main regret is not that I started out with beginner level pens, but that I got too many different beginner level pens before discovering what I liked and moving on. I like the Pilot FP-78G with the medium nib. Pilot's interpretation of medium would be a fine on many other pens, while their fine is really fine. With Lamy, either a fine or extra fine might be similar; I haven't used mine in a while. It's a matter of preference, and what you intend to do with the pen, but a fine nib is versatile if you write small, or sometimes have to write in small notebooks. The nib is easy to replace on the Lamy, and you can buy them separately. There's an instructional video on the Goulet's site.

Both the Pilot and the Lamy (and Parker) take their own proprietary cartridges and converters. There are also "international size" converters and cartridges which fit many other brands, but not all. Even if you have the appropriate converter, it's not a bad idea to keep some cartridges for quick refills when you're on the go.

There are a lot of well behaved black and blue inks if you want the most common colors. I prefer Namiki (Pilot) blue and black, which are pretty much trouble free, but there are plenty of other choices. I like purples as well, but have had problems with individual ones clogging and staining, and of course you can get many other colors. One question to ask is whether you want a water resistant ink. I had always taken the water resistance of ballpoint inks for granted, and was surprised to discover you can't assume this for fountain pen inks. Some are, some aren't.

Some pens are sturdier than others, but the drop test is not a good idea. The nib might survive, or it might get bent and never be the same again. It can be spoiled not just by children, but by adults who have no idea how to treat them, and press down much too hard at strange angles. At least on the Lamys, the nib is easy to replace if the feed hasn't been damaged.

 

[vreddy2000]

Thank you,
The pen thing will be just for me, I'll propably be the only one who gets to see my writing.
my friends don't even pick up the phone anymore, its texting or facebooking or twittering all of which I have given a pass, not for me.
I've 99% made up my mind its going to be a lamy first with a converter, the rest don't really have a preference yet.

 

[jzuzphreek]

*sigh* like Jessy said in his reply
never say never.
I definitely like "The Pilot 78G" now, mebbe I should get both? The reason I like the lamy is because it is rugged and I like the looks and it does not leak.
two pens in a starter kit is not too many is it?

I will keep my eye out for "Waterman Phileas" on the BST. thats three..k..two for now..third for later..sounds alright.

and thank you for the link to "http://bentonclay.com"

Sounds like you'll fit right in. Are you seriously asking B&B members if you should buy another anything? If you search within yourself, I'm sure you'll find the answer to that!

I have one more question though.

when I was little, i think first grade in a small town, fountain pens were the norm and they were used about as much for ink fights as for writing.
they would leak and a permanent blue patch on shirt pocket was the norm.
how do above pens compare?
in terms of leaking when being carried around and when flying?

I've not had the opportunity to fly with mine yet, but I think keeping the nib pointed up is the best way to go. The safest thing, of course, is to just empty the converter completely.

Thank you,
The pen thing will be just for me, I'll propably be the only one who gets to see my writing.
my friends don't even pick up the phone anymore, its texting or facebooking or twittering all of which I have given a pass, not for me.
I've 99% made up my mind its going to be a lamy first with a converter, the rest don't really have a preference yet.

No reason you can't write them a nice letter just to show off your cool new inks and awesome pen. I'm sure you can enable them with enough effort. You have plenty of guidance in the enabling arts here.

 

[strop]

Never had a FP leak on a plane. I generally fill them before I leave home, but routinely use them in flight to work the crossword puzzles.

 

[jzuzphreek]

Never had a FP leak on a plane. I generally fill them before I leave home, but routinely use them in flight to work the crossword puzzles.

Imagine that! A preflight form of entertainment that is not required to be put away during takeoff! Hmmm... whoever could have imagined such a thing!

 

[vreddy2000]

well I did it.

Lamy Refill Converter (LZ24)
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen - Charcoal - Fine
Lamy Bottled Ink 50ml with Blotting Paper-Black
Sheaffer Skrip Bottled Ink, 50 ml., Blue (SHF94221)
Screw Pump Filler 0.25mm Nib Student Fountain Pen Black

how'd I do?

 

[ShinyRex]

I like it but then again I basically did the same thing last month so I may be biased Personally I like the Lamy blotting paper better than the ink, let us know what you think after you have played with them a bit.

 

[jzuzphreek]

well I did it.

Lamy Refill Converter (LZ24)
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen - Charcoal - Fine
Lamy Bottled Ink 50ml with Blotting Paper-Black
Sheaffer Skrip Bottled Ink, 50 ml., Blue (SHF94221)
Screw Pump Filler 0.25mm Nib Student Fountain Pen Black

how'd I do?

So what's your next order gonna be?