Newbie thinking of starting this on a whim?

[tinashubby]

Okay enablers, please help a new guy out with some suggestions for a basic kinda cheap starter pen and ink recommendation. Maybe something $25ish-I don't know much at all, except I may need a converter to take the place of refill cartridges if I want to use fancy colors? I don't write much any more, so most of my handiwork is just scribbles to myself or wife, not even sure of Nib size?

Thanks for your help, and I am off into the search function...
Wayne

 

[djm2]

Please define "cheap" as that might help quite a bit.

 

[syngent]

Cant go wrong with a Pilot Metropolitan, or for a little bit more a Prera

Lamy Safaris are good choices as well, have a look at them and see what you think of the looks and what your tastes are

Gouletpens.com will have all the pens to look at, but if you like the prera PM me ill help you get it for a better price


as for ink Lamy, Diamine, Sailor, MonteVerde, and Parker are all good choices, just pick a colour and love it
Ink Samples are also a good way to start out as you can try a lot of different options

 

[RichieRich3902]

I highly reccomend the ink samples. I think I survived on goulet samples for months after I picked up my first fountain pen.

 

[Purplemonkey]

Cheap... Go on the bay and grab a pilot 78g... Great place to start

 

[gmgaj]

Second on several points above: Pilot Metropolitan if you like a heavier metal pen, or the 78G if lighter plastic is your thing. I believe the nib is the same. Then get some samples and you are good to go. Goulet is a good spot to get started, but the 78G will probably require the bay.

 

[Snargle]

Goulet Pens has a nice "starter" package with a Pilot Metropolitan pen, a bottle of Noodler's Black ink, and a Leuchtturm1917 notebook for $42. Everything you would need to get started. http://www.gouletpens.com/Classic_Black_Package_Set_Metropolitan_p/package-classicblack-metro.htm

 

[tinashubby]

Thanks guys- I think the Pilot Metropolitan would be a best buy for me- inexpensive, metal, and gets good reviews.
If I want to change colors of ink, do I need a separate converter, or is there a good way to flush and clean the converter and nib?

Hopefully last question - Noodlers ink seems most readily available but I have read it feathers or creeps more than some of the others. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Snargle]

Thanks guys- I think the Pilot Metropolitan would be a best buy for me- inexpensive, metal, and gets good reviews.
If I want to change colors of ink, do I need a separate converter, or is there a good way to flush and clean the converter and nib?

Hopefully last question - Noodlers ink seems most readily available but I have read it feathers or creeps more than some of the others. Any thoughts on this?

Just flushing with water, maybe with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid, is generally sufficient for routine cleaning.

Some people have issues with Noodler's inks, others love them. I have several bottles of different colors and haven't had problems with any of them. More often, feathering is caused by cheap, porous paper rather than by a specific ink, although I've found that Noodler's Black is quite well-behaved, even on inexpensive, low-quality paper.

 

[gmgaj]

If I want to change colors of ink, do I need a separate converter, or is there a good way to flush and clean the converter and nib?

Hopefully last question - Noodlers ink seems most readily available but I have read it feathers or creeps more than some of the others. Any thoughts on this?

Just rinse and go. I have also used private reserve, scribal work shop, and some samples of parker, diamine and de atrimentis and have had no problems with any of them. The toughest part is deciding what color you will want to use.

 

[jzuzphreek]

I highly reccomend the ink samples. I think I survived on goulet samples for months after I picked up my first fountain pen.

I got started on FPs before christmas. Still working through my samples. I've only bought a few inks since then, and other than the BBB from WCS, they're all vintage flea market finds.

The Metropolitan is a very capable pen that will look and feel a lot more expensive than it is. You can't go wrong with it.

 

[maxman]

If Noodlers doesn't work for you try Private Reserve ink.
It's very good.

 

[rickcharles606]

If Noodlers doesn't work for you try Private Reserve ink.
It's very good.

I second this ^^^ and while I love Noodler's presentation and variety, Private Reserve is just a great performing ink that I've had no problems with.

 

[Snargle]

Another ink I've had excellent luck with is Diamine. Many great colors, reasonably priced, and generally regarded as safe for all fountain pens.

 

[Boro62]

i know everyone seems to like the metro more, but I would have to give the +1 to a lamy safari. It was my first pen and is still one of pens i carry daily. Great pen, the plastic might feel a bit on the cheaper side compared to the metal metro, but its a fantastic pen and more nib size options.

 

[jzuzphreek]

i know everyone seems to like the metro more, but I would have to give the +1 to a lamy safari. It was my first pen and is still one of pens i carry daily. Great pen, the plastic might feel a bit on the cheaper side compared to the metal metro, but its a fantastic pen and more nib size options.

A lot of people started with a Safari Boris. No shame in that game. I think the reason the Metro is recommended more is because it's a bit cheaper and less polarising than the Lamy pens... with their triangle sections.

 

[Nekromos]

I'd recommend giving a Lamy Safari a try. I steered clear of them for a long time because I didn't think I'd like the somewhat unusual grip they have, but I eventually gave in and tried one since I have kind of a thing for demonstrators. It's a very nice pen and is now my every day carry. I like the EF nib. It's fine (which I like) without being scratchy, and since it's not super-expensive I don't have to worry too much about losing it somewhere.

Regarding ink, it's hard to go wrong with Noodlers.

 

[oc_in_fw]

i know everyone seems to like the metro more, but I would have to give the +1 to a lamy safari. It was my first pen and is still one of pens i carry daily. Great pen, the plastic might feel a bit on the cheaper side compared to the metal metro, but its a fantastic pen and more nib size options.

I can leave my Al-Star (an aluminum Safari) untouched for a month at a time and it will start writing as soon as it is picked up.

 

[bassopotamus]

I started with a Lamy Safari, but for cheap pens, I really prefer the Pilot 78g. I think I once got 3 shipped from china for 18 bucks on ebay, but if you'd like to deal with a more known vendor, isellpens.com has them for 10 bucks plus shipping. Start with the medium. The fine can be a little scratchy.

For ink, I think it is hard to go wrong with Noodler's bulletproof black. Basic black. Appropriate for anything. Waterproof when dry. Doesn't feather or bleed much, even on lousy paper.

 

[Nick Cheeks]

I've recently picked up a 78g, Metropolitan and a Safari and each has its pluses and minuses. If you write small (like I do), then the 78g might be a good option for you. It is available in a fine nib, whereas the Metropolitan is not. It's lightweight, but is a little cheap feeling. The Metropolitan is better constructed and heavier. The medium nib writes very smoothly, but for me, does not work well on cheap paper. For regular lined paper, I find the 78g works a little better. The Safari is probably the smoothest writer of all three, but because of the triangular section, the grip took a little getting used to. I got one with a fine nib, which is a little finer than the Pilot M nib, but not nearly as fine as the Pilot F nib. In truth, any of the three is a good starter pen that will probably suit your needs fine.

Another ink to think about would be Parker Quink. I have used it in all three pens with good results.