I have been looking at the Pilot Metropolitan as my first real fountain pen. Is this a good starter pen? What else in the way of ink and supplies do I need to purchase to get started? What is a good site to order ink and supplies? Thanks. Knock
Good starter pen?
- Thread starter Knockahoma
- Start date
You sure you wanna start this Knock?
Of course you are!!!!
Gouletpens.com
Isellpens.com
Andersonpens.net
Pendemonium.com
Are some good places to start. I've only ever got anything from Goulet, and can only speak for them. But their customer service is TOP-RATE. They also have lots of videos and info to help you get started. You might try starting with some ink sample packages. Maybe a sample of several types of black or blues, or a variety of colors. Or even build your own sample pack. That way you don't just commit to one ink before you even see how it writes with your pen.
I've heard from a lot of people that the Metropolitan is a GREAT option for a first pen. I'm actually hoping to get one for myself one day. If your ever in New Orleans, be sure to check out Scriptura (Near Lakeside Mall, or on Magazine) and Papier Plume on Royal Street in the French Quarter.
Be sure to ask questions. No matter how silly you think they might be. Heck, almost everything I say is silly.
Of course you are!!!!
Gouletpens.com
Isellpens.com
Andersonpens.net
Pendemonium.com
Are some good places to start. I've only ever got anything from Goulet, and can only speak for them. But their customer service is TOP-RATE. They also have lots of videos and info to help you get started. You might try starting with some ink sample packages. Maybe a sample of several types of black or blues, or a variety of colors. Or even build your own sample pack. That way you don't just commit to one ink before you even see how it writes with your pen.
I've heard from a lot of people that the Metropolitan is a GREAT option for a first pen. I'm actually hoping to get one for myself one day. If your ever in New Orleans, be sure to check out Scriptura (Near Lakeside Mall, or on Magazine) and Papier Plume on Royal Street in the French Quarter.
Be sure to ask questions. No matter how silly you think they might be. Heck, almost everything I say is silly.
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I personally think any pen is a good starter pen. Just depends on your budget. If you can wing $200, go over to GouletPens.com and pick up an Edison Nouveau and some ink and have a great pen right out of the gates. That will provide you with an enjoyable writing experience.
If you can only spend a little, that's OK, too. There are many pens in the sub$20 range that are decent quality pens.
To get started, a pen and ink are all you need. Perhaps a notebook if you'd like.
The links mentioned by jzuzphreek are good places to start.
What Jessy said. You can also just use the cartridge and learn the pen. Then you can get some inks and experiment with the converter. Quality paper is fun but not necessary.
Just have fun with it
Just have fun with it
I have the Pilot Metropolitan as my starter pen, and personally, I'd say this thing is solid. I picked up a bottle of Noodler's X-Feather and it writes very smooth solid lines. All metal body, solid feel and balance to it, I'm actually tempted to get a second one, I like it so much.
The Metropolitan was the first FP I bought and I still have it. A very nice pen. My only gripe is the pen only comes in a medium nib, which is too broad and too wet a line for me. This of course, is a YMMV.
My second pen is a fine nib Plaisir, which is more expensive than the Metropolitan, but I like how it writes more than the Metropolitan.
My second pen is a fine nib Plaisir, which is more expensive than the Metropolitan, but I like how it writes more than the Metropolitan.
Parker Frontier - The stainless steel version can be had for less than $20. Vector and Jotter are other inexpensive Parker options.
Staedtler Learner's - A good writer but probably not one you'd want to be seen with at the office. Fun, though, because it looks like their iconic pencils.
Kaweco Sport - Brilliant little pen for just over $20.
Ohto F-Spirit - Very good pen for about $16.50.
Sailor HighAce Neo - I haven't tried one, but it sounds like a good pen for $16.50
Lamy Nexx - Good pens using the same nib as the acclaimed Safari and cost about $20 (maybe just over).
Pelikano Junior and Pelikano - I've heard good things, and they're colorful. $11.50
Sheaffer VFM - I don't know anything about these, but they look the business. $15
Sailor Clear Candy - Colorful pens. $16.50
Noodler's Ahab - Flex! $20
Platinum Plaisir - Very good pen. $20
Pilot 78G - Great writer. Can be found for $10 with a converter included.
Several of those are clearly aimed at children but are still good pens. There are plenty of serviceable fountain pens around the $20 price point.
-Andy
Staedtler Learner's - A good writer but probably not one you'd want to be seen with at the office. Fun, though, because it looks like their iconic pencils.
Kaweco Sport - Brilliant little pen for just over $20.
Ohto F-Spirit - Very good pen for about $16.50.
Sailor HighAce Neo - I haven't tried one, but it sounds like a good pen for $16.50
Lamy Nexx - Good pens using the same nib as the acclaimed Safari and cost about $20 (maybe just over).
Pelikano Junior and Pelikano - I've heard good things, and they're colorful. $11.50
Sheaffer VFM - I don't know anything about these, but they look the business. $15
Sailor Clear Candy - Colorful pens. $16.50
Noodler's Ahab - Flex! $20
Platinum Plaisir - Very good pen. $20
Pilot 78G - Great writer. Can be found for $10 with a converter included.
Several of those are clearly aimed at children but are still good pens. There are plenty of serviceable fountain pens around the $20 price point.
-Andy
I think it's hard to beat a Pilot 78g for $10 ... with converter and a couple of cartridges to get you started ... worldwide shipping included.
