So I've been thinking recently about trying out a fountain pen. They seem like another experience that some are fond of and I haven't ever used one. I do have a few questions before purchasing one. First, do they generally have to be babied when compared to other pens? What I mean is if I put it into a backpack for school would it run a high risk of leaking? My backpack doesn't get much rough treatment, but it's still my main concern. Next, what kind of pen might I get for ~$50? At this price can I still get something halfway decent to start out with? Lastly, I see that there are ink cartridges as well as vaccuum type inks. Are there any advantages to the cartridges except convenience?
Fountain pen questions
- Thread starter Groat
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I have a Lamy Safari and it's great. I got the fine point, but I wish I would have gotten the extra fine. I got the converter for it and am very happy I did. As for leaking, My wife accidentally washed and dried my pen and it never spilled a drop. When I found it in the dryer, I took it out and tried it, fearing the worst. It wrote beautifully without a hint of hesitation.
Agreed but I would go with a medium nib. Cartridges are convenient but converters are more economical.
I prefer the medium nibs but they are more likely to smear due to the longer drying time. This can be an issue with a student writing in a notebook. I use mine daily. When writing in a chart where I am frequently flipping pages, I am forced to go with a fine nib. As to leaking, I have yet to have that happen in over twenty years. I never use cartridges but , at this point, there are always several bottles of ink at home or in my office. For school use, the convenience of cartridges has to be considered.
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- #5
Excellent. Sounds like my fears were unfounded. I'll have to pick one next time I get paid. In the meantime, I've just made a modified Pilot G-2 pen with a Mont Blanc cartridge inside. That should hold me over.
I like the Waterman Phileas myself. There is a vendor in France who has a large selection of them. My preference was the all black model with the XF nib. Absolutely beautiful pen that writes smooth and sweet. Vendor is on eBay, and no I am not him.
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- #7
Excellent suggestion. I see that these are well within my price range. I've got a Waterman ball point pen that I got for graduating college some years ago and really enjoy using that one. The weight and balance are unmatched. I think I just might go with this Phileas pen.
I do have to say one thing in regards to a fountain pen. Jumping/falling can lead to ink being spilled. For instance. Many women throw their purses on the couch when they come home. That type of jar in movement could squirt some ink out of the pen.
I also have a Pilot Knight I got from Isellpens.com and I love it in fine point. It writes beautifully and I keep it in my sleeve (military uniform) and it doesn't drip ink being slung around working all day and being bumped into stuff. Great pen from a great seller.
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- #10
Just make sure you're at least ok with losing an ACU top. I had a cheap Parker pen that I wore in the military. That pen went to Iraq with me, it went to its share of ranges, it went on several field exercises and I went through a few ink cartridges in there. Amusingly enough, all the rough treatment in the world didn't make it explode but one day just hanging out in the motor pool it decided to evacuate all the ink at once. That ACU top was completely ruined.
Great thread! I am looking to buy a fountain in the same price range. Keep the advice and suggestions coming.
I, too, own a Waterman Phileas, in fact several of them in different colours. I used to match them to my suit years ago. Since I don't do as much handwriting as I used to, they are rotated on a regular basis for meeting notetaking.
I have a couple of Cross fountain pens, a Century II and a Townsend. They are beautiful and a pleasure to write with. 
In retrospect, the only leaking episode I've had was entirely self inflicted. I tend to put my pen in my shirt pocket when not using it. On one occasion, I did this without recapping the pen. That is one Brooks Brothers shirt that quickly found its way into the rag pile.
So.. how exactly does a converter work? I've used cartridges forever.
it's like a removable piston filler
Have a look in Reids on 17th Ave. Decent selection and you will be able to talk to them and try a few out before you buy anything.
Also - great resource for Fountain Pen information. Several B&B members frequent here as well.
The Fountain Pen Network
The Fountain Pen Network
