Lamy Safari vs. Platinum Plaisar vs Sheaffer 100 (bonus ink question inside!

[Golden Child]

So, I'm pondering getting back into the FP game. I had a Waterman Phileas but the dog saw the end of that.

I'm trying to stay on the cheaper side (def. under $50) and these 3 seem to get a lot of talk and I like them all, style wise.

Can you guys give me some strength/weaknesses of the three?

Info that may (or may not? be pertinent)

Casual user.
Love my Moleskines
Current pens I use are .5 and .38 Gel Pilot G2's (need a pen I can press through carbonless copies at work and lose without crying, so nothing fancy. I DO like how these write though!)
Prefer fine/very fine
Has to be twist style converter (dislike cart.'s and not too fond of plungers or eyedroppers)
Righty

Can't think of anything else.

Also, think I'm going to pick up a dip pen (I'm liking some from pendemonium) and this is where my ink question comes in.

I've read that 'saturated' inks work better in a dip pen than more 'watery' inks. What does this mean? How do I know the difference when ordering?

I'm planning on Noodler Black for FP (maybe 5 oclock shadow, sounds good from a few reviews) is that good for dip pen?

Dip pen ink suggestions?

Sorry bout all the questions! Thanks in advance!

 

[the_edski]

Haven't used the other two, but I give a vote for the Platinum. Nice simple, solid design. Easy to use twist converter. Posts very nicely. Cap seals extra tight so if you don't use it all the time it won't dry out. And the price cant be beat!

 

[Golden Child]

Ooooh! I forgot about posting. It MUST post (or be abnormally long) I have rather large hands and would prefer a longer, posted pen I believe. I could not use the Phileas unposted.

Thanks for that, Edski!

 

[cb91710]

For under $50, step up to the Lamy Al-Star. Same design as the Safari, but a bit more "beef" with the sweet anodized aluminum body.

 

[the_edski]

It is plenty long, for my taste ( I have L/XL glove size hands), it is a touch on the light side if that is a problem for you.

Ooooh! I forgot about posting. It MUST post (or be abnormally long) I have rather large hands and would prefer a longer, posted pen I believe. I could not use the Phileas unposted.

Thanks for that, Edski!

 

[Golden Child]

Not sure about weight. I think I'd be OK with most any weight, so long as it's not super cap heavy when posted.

 

[N2theBreech]

I can't speak for the other two, but I like the Lamys. The Al Star is a bit bigger than the Safari. The Safari is a good durable pen that will "Take a hiding and keep on writing." (Sorry Timex, that was a bit lame)

 

[syngent]

when i had Sams Lamy i couldnt get used to the funky grip they have on them,.. my fingers just couldnt get comfortable on the angles they had,... but other then that i dont recall having an issue with it

 

[mmack66]

I can't speak for the other two, but I like the Lamys. The Al Star is a bit bigger than the Safari. The Safari is a good durable pen that will "Take a hiding and keep on writing." (Sorry Timex, that was a bit lame)

I thought the Al Star was identical to the Safari, except that one is aluminum and the other is plastic?

 

[cb91710]

I thought the Al Star was identical to the Safari, except that one is aluminum and the other is plastic?

It is. He might be thinking of the AS2000?

 

[airmech]

It is. He might be thinking of the AS2000?

Nope, just looked at mine the Al-star is thicker.

Tom

 

[cb91710]

Nope, just looked at mine the Al-star is thicker.

Ditto.

I use an Al-Star here at home, but have three Safaries at the office.
Took the AS in today and it is indeed just a hair larger.

Strange... the "X" top seems the same, the Safari tip will thread into the AS body (I didn't try the other way)... it's almost like the aluminum wall is slightly thicker. Strange indeed.

 

[andrew98]

You'll get a lot of Lamy advice. They're ok. Nothing earth shattering. Go with the Platinum or a 78G with a Fine or Medium nib from ebay for $10 with a converter. The Ohto F-Spirit is also supposed to be a nice pen, and you can't go wrong with it for $16. It's only available with a F nib, and it has classic styling. You can get those 3 decent Japanese pens and stay under your $50 budget.

Alternatively, check out the Pilot Prera. It's a great pen that you should be able to find for about $50. If you've got the budget, maybe just get one nice pen. Be aware that Japanese nibs typically run narrower than western nibs. That should suit you, since you like F and XF lines.

Have you considered a glass dip pen?

-Andy

 

[Golden Child]

I considered glass dip pens. The foreignness of it kind of threw me, but I remain intrigued.

Do they take regular FP ink? Maybe I'll give it a shot.

 

[oc_in_fw]

I considered glass dip pens. The foreignness of it kind of threw me, but I remain intrigued.

Do they take regular FP ink? Maybe I'll give it a shot.

Yes, dip pens can use FP ink. Just NEVER use India ink in a fountain pen.

 

[cb91710]

Just NEVER use India ink in a fountain pen.

This sounds like a man speaking from experience

 

[oc_in_fw]

This sounds like a man speaking from experience

No, luckily. When I first got to the nib I asked if II was okay. I was emphatically told no. I just think that if the question of using FP ink with a dip exists, then the question of using II with a FP might also exist. I just like to clear it up before someone has a chance to ruin a pen. Think of it as a PSA

 

[andrew98]

I considered glass dip pens. The foreignness of it kind of threw me, but I remain intrigued.

Do they take regular FP ink? Maybe I'll give it a shot.

Just read some reviews because their construction determines whether they perform well or not. Like everything else, not all glass dip pens are created equal. I've had too many other pens get in the way of purchasing a glass dip pen, but it's on the list. I'll likely get one eventually. I like blown glass and think those are a clever design.

-Andy

 

[syngent]

Just read some reviews because their construction determines whether they perform well or not. Like everything else, not all glass dip pens are created equal. I've had too many other pens get in the way of purchasing a glass dip pen, but it's on the list. I'll likely get one eventually. I like blown glass and think those are a clever design.

-Andy

Im in the same boat,... the glass dips are on the short list though,... about 3rd in line now lol just hard to pull trgger on something like that without feeling the weight and comfort of it,... but i finally decided im intregued enough and they are not horribly expensive so why not stop wondering, and get something

 

[MadAmos]

Have you considered the Pilot Metropolitan for around $15.00. I just received one from the Goulets (no affiliation) and it is equal in quality to many more expensive pens. Heck it even includes a converter that holds 1ml of ink. The nib is only available as a medium right now but it is the equivilent of a western fine.

Paul