Just starting, questions of course...

[GaryTha]

Agreed. It is much more economical for me to try these entry-level pens to get an idea of what suits me. I will keep your advice in mind if I happen to purchase a high-end pen that I don't get along with.

Right now, I'm happy to futz around with this group by trying different papers and inks. Should keep me occupied for a while.

You taught me a new word: From there, the worms can unleash a slurry of proteins and chemicals that futz with the ant’s core physiology, likely impacting their host’s hormones, immune system, and genes.

I started futzing with a Jinhao swan today with a FUD nib. They aren't disposable. Well, I guess a person could throw them out. According to the description, they are monogamous.

12 PCS Jinhao Disposible Fountain Pen Fine Nib Transparent Diversity Color Pen Case Set Swan Cap with Refillable Converters​

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[gpjoe]

You taught me a new word: From there, the worms can unleash a slurry of proteins and chemicals that futz with the ant’s core physiology, likely impacting their host’s hormones, immune system, and genes.

I started futzing with a Jinhao swan today with a FUD nib. They aren't disposable. Well, I guess a person could throw them out. According to the description, they are monogamous.

12 PCS Jinhao Disposible Fountain Pen Fine Nib Transparent Diversity Color Pen Case Set Swan Cap with Refillable Converters​

​

Great!

I thought about "fuss" but went with "futz" because it sounded more fun - less serious.

 

[SeigeMachine]

Hi all, new guy here. I posted a short intro in the "new guy" thread, and will spare you all by not repeating it here.

I have been reading here a short time, and decided to buy a few "beginner" fountain pens. So far, I have Pilot Metrpolitan, and a Lamy Safari (which just arrived today). I also bought a TWSBI Eco, second hand, from a member here. That pen is currently in transit to me. So, i will soon have my trifecta of beginner pens.

My first impressions:

I absolutely LOVE the Metropolitan. I opted for the medium nib, and it feels perfect. I'm sinistral, and the pen has been a joy to use. Right now I am using a cartridge and really amazed at how nice the pen feels in hand and how smooth it writes. Feels like a fantastic value in a entry-level pen.

Having such a great initial experience with the Metro, I quickly ordered a Safari and a couple of hard-cover notebooks to begin writing in daily, or as the mood struck me. The notebooks and Lamy arrived today, so I loaded a cart into the Safari and let it sit for about a half hour, cap on, nib down in a mug on my desk. The wait was killing me.

Anyway, once I started writing, I immediately noticed that the Lamy, a fine point, was incredibly "scratchy" compared to the Pilot medium tip. Not nearly as pleasant or as easy to write with.

I thought i had read here (or elsewhere) that the a medium nib Asian made pen would write and feel like a fine point on a German made pen. As such, I though that the fine nib I the Lamy would have a similar feel and writing characteristics as the Pilot, but that is definitely not the case. I realize that pens from different manufacturers are going to be different, but I am surprised by how stark the difference actually is between these two pens. The Lamy writes nearly the same as the $3 Zebra fountain pen I've had in my desk drawer for 15 years, that somehow still writes with the original cartridge.

So, my questions:

All things being equal (same paper, using the manufacturer's ink carts) is my assessment of these two accurate and normal, or may something be amiss with the Safari?

The Metropolitan felt and wrote like a dream out of the box. Is it possible that the Safari will improve (smooth out) with use?...is there such a thing as a break-in on a new nib?

Or is this just the nature of the two different pens?

Lastly, might my wrong-handedness contribute to the performance of a pen possibly designed for a right-handed writer?

As it stands now, i get no joy from the Lamy, and have little desire to continue using it, though I am hopeful that there is something I can do to improve the performance. It isn't a huge deal, or investment, more of a disappointment over what is a highly regarded, value pen.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for any suggestions, info, or advice.

Gary

The Pilot Metro is a nice & inexpensive fountain pen that writes well as I picked one up when they first appeared on the American market & still own it to this day. I also own a LAMY Safari, actually five, & I've never had any problems whatsoever with the three I've inked. So, I'm going to attribute your problems to fact that you write with the wrong hand. I've never been able to wrap my head around the concept of left-handedness. Freaks me out to just think about it. However, in all honesty, that should not be what is causing the nib to behave in the manner that you speak of. Did you buy your LAMY from a reputable dealer or online pen store, like Goldspot.com or GouletPens.com, or did you get it on eBay? If the dealer is cool, as those I mentioned, they will work with you by replacing the pen or offering a refund. If you bought it on eBay, I'm not sure what your chances are of getting your problem resolved. I've actually picked up a few gems on eBay, so don't get me wrong, but I do my due diligence & check out feedback & such before laying down a hundred dollars or more on a vintage fountain pen. Anyway, I wish you well in the wonderful world of fountain pens.
Good luck with the LAMY because they don't sell trash.