New job means I need a new pen - well my first pen

[Wcoppage]

This summer I started as a reporter for newspaper in Mississippi. I moved for NC and things have been going well.

I thought I would spoil myself and get a decent pen. I need something that is low maintenance, preferably with a clip, and more than likely I would use refill carts then fill it myself.

I would like to keep it under $30 for a set up and ink.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Andy]

Congrats on the new job!

The Pilot Metropolitan is always a nice pen, at half your budget, it leaves room for some ink too.

 

[Maguirer]

Jinhao off eBay work well also and come with a converter for later. About $13 shipped.

 

[the_edski]

Congrats on the new job!

The Pilot Metropolitan is always a nice pen, at half your budget, it leaves room for some ink too.

+1.

You could go with a Pilot 78G as well, you can get it for $10 shipped from Ebay. It comes with a converter and a cart.

 

[redbike]

Parker 45. Distinctive Parker arrowhead clip, works with cartridges or a converter, nibs can be swapped. Should be an easy pickup on eBay for less than $20

Here's link to an expired eBay auction I won recently for one. Good luck and let us know what you get.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beautiful-Maroon-Red-Parker-Arrow-Fontain-Pen-/141088860534?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=rdYnQTmDRr1c1gNK07e6x9S7GXQ%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

 

[RichieRich3902]

I'll second the Parker 45, they may be my favorite pen. Cheap, sturdy, easy to maintain and available in tons of colors and nib choices. I have so many of the things that I don't even bother buying them anymore unless the BIN price is low, it has a interesting nib or is my favorite color, navy grey.

 

[cody6766]

I have a 78g, a Reform 1745 and a Lamy Safari. The 78g is the best bang for the buck out of the group, but the Lamy is my favorite. It's about $35 for the pen and converter IIRC, so it's a bit out of your price range, but is one to keep in mind for the future. I think my 78g actually writes a little smother, but the ink flow on the Lamy is a little more consistent. I have a med tip on both and sometimes the 78g dumps a little more ink than I'd like. With your budget, choosing from the pens I've used, I'd say the 78g is the best starting point, along with a jar of Noodler's bullet proof Black ink. You'll notice some leaks out on the top of the nib, but it doesn't drip or make a mess. It does it on all 3 of my pens, but dries a solid, dark black. I have jar of Quink (I think...) and it seems to be a little grey after a day or so.

 

[ChefJohnBoy-ardee]

I have a 78g, a Reform 1745 and a Lamy Safari. The 78g is the best bang for the buck out of the group, but the Lamy is my favorite. It's about $35 for the pen and converter IIRC, so it's a bit out of your price range, but is one to keep in mind for the future. I think my 78g actually writes a little smother, but the ink flow on the Lamy is a little more consistent. I have a med tip on both and sometimes the 78g dumps a little more ink than I'd like. With your budget, choosing from the pens I've used, I'd say the 78g is the best starting point, along with a jar of Noodler's bullet proof Black ink. You'll notice some leaks out on the top of the nib, but it doesn't drip or make a mess. It does it on all 3 of my pens, but dries a solid, dark black. I have jar of Quink (I think...) and it seems to be a little grey after a day or so.

That is called Nib Creep It happens.

 

[jovan]

Congrats on the new job! I would second the Lamy Safari. I have used Lamy since 1990 and they never disappoint. Especially at this price point.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

Congrats on the new job! I would second the Lamy Safari. I have used Lamy since 1990 and they never disappoint. Especially at this price point.

I've been trying to come up with what FP would work for a beat reporter at your price point...picturing a workhorse pen that will get a few beatings and knocks and still write like a champ while you're running around getting the latest news on your tiny little notepad with your fedora with a press pass tucked neatly in the band.

Unfortunately, I keep coming away vintage Parker 51...

 

[rotarygov]

I know this is way out of your price range, but after years of "collecting" fountain pens I have now sold them all and settled on my latest 3 acquisitions -- the Pilot Capless or Namiki Vanishing Point as I think they are known outside the UK. It's a fountain pen that thinks it's a ballpoint with a click action. Beats capping and uncapping a fountain pen anytime -- ideal for note-taking. I wish I had discovered the Pilot Capless whilst I was still working. Expensive though at northwards of £130 now, but well worth it in my opinion.

 

[andrew98]

You should be able to find a Pilot Vanishing Point online for around $100 to $120. I know it isn't cheap, but it's the best pen I've ever found for work. The "carbonesque" versions also have a sort of tactile feel that's nicer than the lacquered metal versions. The former stays in your hand better, if that makes sense.

They're expensive but very quick and handy to use. Their one-hand operation is great.

-Andy

 

[Wcoppage]

All I can say is:

BOOM

Ask and you will receive. I didn't get to chk the post last night (due to work) and today I see so much information. I am about to start going down the list and researching. Thank you all for the kind words about the new job. I had lost my job teaching and was unemployed a little over a year, so it is much welcomed.

I do keep coming back to the Lamy Safari just because I always see it mentioned here.

Again, you all rock. Thank you for the advice.

 

[Wcoppage]

Just saw this quote and thought you might like:



"A journalist without a pen is like a cop without a badge or a stripper without a pole."

 

[Ru4scuba?]

More importantly, if you're in the need for a good fedora, get over to the haberdashery!

 

[Giant Kiwi]

I've bought a Lamy from this guy, he has all current colours and nibs.
Took about 2 weeks to get to Ireland.
plus it's under budget

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lamy-Safari-Matt-Charcoal-Black-Fountain-Pen-Free-T10-Z24-Model-017-/171144323282?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d8ff20d2

 

[Wcoppage]

After going back and forth, I went with the metro. I didn't order ink yet. I figure one thing at a time.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

After going back and forth, I went with the metro. I didn't order ink yet. I figure one thing at a time.

Ink choice is a whole 'nuther thread!

 

[Wcoppage]

Ink choice is a whole 'nuther thread!

I was ready for that rabbit hole yet. That will be an Xmas list item.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

I was ready for that rabbit hole yet. That will be an Xmas list item.

You just gonna stare at your new pen?


It's only one bottle...