I'm going to regret this, maybe not.

[nortac]

Hey all, I'm a noob to the Nib. Need suggestions for my first fountain pen. And what to avoid. What I'm looking for is a sturdy everyday pen, not over $50.00 (to start). I say sturdy because I once bent over and a Mont Blanc ballpoint fell out of my pocket and shattered the top when it hit the floor. I can pretty much count on dropping it sooner or later. Not that I'm a super klutz, but I'm not a desk jockey and stuff like that happens. So I don't want the cheapest, something that will write well, not break the bank, look OK and withstand the occasional Oops.

 

[americanarmsdealer]

I don't personally own one, but the Lamy Al Star is always mentioned as a wonderful beater that performs with the best of them. Good luck with what I'm sure will become a new AD!

 

[syngent]

http://www.gouletpens.com/Lamy_AL_Star_Fountain_Pens_s/936.htm

Id say an Al Star would be a great place to star for what you are looking for If you like the way it looks and it speaks to you go with confidence, if not we car look into a Kaweco Sport maybe

 

[brianw]

B&B Essential..... Bulletproof

 

[mwhitcraft]

You should also consider the Pilot Metropolitan.

 

[nemo]

You should also consider the Pilot Metropolitan.

+1

This pen has proven to be a great starter pen and certainly won't break you if you decide fountain pens aren't for you.

 

[syngent]

+1

This pen has proven to be a great starter pen and certainly won't break you if you decide fountain pens aren't for you.

Ive never actually seen on in person, how rugged are they ? I cant recall anyone saying one way or the other

 

[nemo]

how rugged are they?

I just got two and promptly gave one away. They are metal, but someone here broke one in half I remember (replaced immediately by Goulet).

Good writer so far (<1 week though), I'm happy. Converter comes with and a spare cartridge.

 

[celestino]

Lamy Safaris are very nice for starter pens. Good luck.

 

[Mr5x5]

Ive never actually seen on in person, how rugged are they ? I cant recall anyone saying one way or the other

Metal pen. You aren't going to break it or crack it. Really nice pen and you can swap nibs with some of the other Pilot pens as well. Was just a beit heavier than I like and there is a substantial size difference between the barrel and the section that makes an edge some (me) find irritating.

 

[Slivovitz]

If you want to try something cheap, sturdy, and reasonably good before you commit, consider a pack of Pilot Varsities. They write quite well, are sturdy enough to survive a few drops, and although they are technically disposable, they can be refilled. If you do manage to drop one hard enough to break it, or drop it and step on it, or press down too hard on the nib and ruin it, or ruin the nib trying the linked refilling instructions (I wouldn't try to remove the paint the way that blogger did, either), at least you won't have dropped a lot of money. If you decide you like writing with them, then later you can get something better.

All that said, and although many fountain pens have fairly sturdy exteriors, you really need to be somewhat careful with them. Yes, accidents happen, but they can be minimized. If I'm going to be in a situation where keeping track of delicate items is too much of a distraction, I tend not to take them with me, or find some place to set them aside. A major concern is if you drop the pen when it's uncapped. A nib will seek hard tile or brick like the buttered side of toast seeking a carpet.

 

[nortac]

Ordered the Lamy Al Star, graphite, fine point and converter, Noodlers Black Bulletproof ink. Now back to brousing ebay for vintage FPs.

 

[chris.hale]

Good choice, I have a Lamy Vista and am very pleased with it.

 

[syngent]

Ordered the Lamy Al Star, graphite, fine point and converter, Noodlers Black Bulletproof ink. Now back to brousing ebay for vintage FPs.

Laughs, welcome to the Nib, your going to fit in just great

 

[jzuzphreek]

I see you made a purchase already, but I was gonna recommend Doug's ingenious innovation in fountain pen durability.

 

[andrew98]

I'm still going to recommend a Metropolitan. They're great pens. I'm starting to think everyone should at least try one.

-Andy

 

[nemo]

I see you made a purchase already, but I was gonna recommend Doug's ingenious innovation in fountain pen durability.

A reminder that that was an April Fool's joke and no fountain pens were harmed in making it.

 

[nortac]

My new Lamy Al Star arrived, converter installed, inked up with Noodler's black. Initially had a bit of trouble getting the converter to suck up ink, but eventually got it working. Now to practice my cursive writing (a lot).

 

[Cartier]

Congrats. Now start posting in the handwriting threads for help from great members like Syngent.

 

[oc_in_fw]

My new Lamy Al Star arrived, converter installed, inked up with Noodler's black. Initially had a bit of trouble getting the converter to suck up ink, but eventually got it working. Now to practice my cursive writing (a lot).

When you are dealing with a dry pen, the feed has to fill before the converter. It is normal to do four fill/empty cycles to get the feed properly flooded.