First pen

[blackhhawk]

Gents-

After seeing some pens on the BST and doing a little reading here, I think an entry level fountain pen is something I'm interested in purchasing. I would use it every day at work for note taking and signatures. Could someone point me in the right direction?

 

[Mike H]

A Pilot 78G, or Platinum Plaiser are good starter pens.

 

[rider4life]

Check out the Wiki here:

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/The_Nib

It's got a list of a bunch of pens from inexpensive to I'm-sorry-that-costs-what?.

Cheers,

M.

 

[blackhhawk]

Oh wow, thanks. I guess I missed all of that yesterday when looking at the wiki.

 

[Eeyore]

A Pilot Celemo FCM-500R (the one with the 14K gold nib) makes for a fine starter pen as well. I have one with me today.

(image from internet)

And a picture from me:

 

[TerryF]

I recently bought a fountain pen.

I've had several failed relationships with fountain pens in my life going way back. The last time was probably 9 or 10 years ago and I tried one of the new-to-me throwaways. It didn't work out and when I threw it away I was happier than when I started using it.

This time, with considerable trepidation, I paid $140 for a Vanishing Point. I think this relationship may work out long term. I love this pen and use it every day. I was concerned a little about the grip but that has not been a problem for me at all. I've changed cartridges once and a little trouble. I thought that first one didn't last very long but I've had better results with the 2nd. Hopefully the next time I change I'll be better at it.

Many are fascinated with the point retraction I've noticed.

 

[blary54]

Pilot Metro. Around 14 bucks and comes with converter.
Lamy Safari. Around $20 bucks on Amazon. Great nib, great price.

 

[SIG9]

Lamy Safari is a great starter pen. It is inexpensive, pretty indestructible and writes well. It will give you a good feel for writing with a fountain pen without spending an arm and a leg.

 

[Lexbomb]

Lamy Safari is a great starter pen. It is inexpensive, pretty indestructible and writes well. It will give you a good feel for writing with a fountain pen without spending an arm and a leg.

+1 actually made out of the same plastic Lego is made from and we all know that Lego is 375 times harder than a diamond but only at night when your on the way to the toilet.

 

[LouieGrandie]

Gents-

After seeing some pens on the BST and doing a little reading here, I think an entry level fountain pen is something I'm interested in purchasing. I would use it every day at work for note taking and signatures. Could someone point me in the right direction?

Welcome to the club. When you say "entry level" it really depends on your budget. The mentioned Pilot Vanishing Point is an excellent every day pen but at around $150 is might be more than some are willing to spend. IMHO a pen in the $100-$200 range is a good starting point rather than buying a pen at $50 then another at $80 and then another at $150.

 

[syngent]

Any idea on bidget, might help to narrow your focus a bit if we know what your comfortable spending. You will probably need ink to go with a new pen as well and we can certainly help with that as well

 

[the_edski]

+1 to Pilot Metro. For my money, you can't get a better intro pen with a metal body and a converter for the price.

 

[nemo]

a pen in the $100-$200 range is a good starting point rather than buying a pen at $50 then another at $80 and then another at $150.

But isn't that half of the fun?

Another vote for the Pilot Metropolitan, dip your toes in the pool and if you don't like fountain pens you can always sell it for only a tiny loss or PIF it.

 

[lwt210]

Pilot Metropolitan.

Still can't believe what all you get for fifteen dollars with this pen. It's one great fountain pen.

 

[andrew98]

I'll 5th (?) the Pilot Metropolitan. It's a great pen.

-Andy

 

[Purplemonkey]

+1 to the Pilot Metropolitan. It was my first, although I did swap out the medium nib for a fine (same as in 78g).

 

[armenakadino]

I would start with a Lamy Safari due to the interchangeable nib. Another option is the Twisbi 580 is a great pen to start with.

 

[Snargle]

I might as well join the chorus...Pilot Metropolitan.

(I just enabled a pal last week by recommending the Metro...he loves it!)

 

[GuitarGuy]

Pilot Metropolitan
Nemosine Singularity
Ohto F-Spirit or F-Lapa

All are smooth writers and well made.