Ohto F-Spirit or Hero Liseur for beginner?

[Teppanyaki]

Another noob thread (and crossover from the shaving boards!). Read the sticky on low cost beginner pens which led me to the Parker Metro and Ohto F-Spirit. The F-Spirit really caught my attention but I can't find many reviews on it. Somehow got led off into a YouTube video of the Hero Liseur, which was quite impressive.

Basically, I'm looking for a fountain pen that starts right away, is smooth and requires no pressure, and doesn't dry out (and can take a converter). There are probably other factors that I am unaware of as a beginner.

I'm wondering if the F-Spirit or Liseur are worthy first pens.

Thanks in advance for input!

 

[andrew98]

I'd go with the F-Spirit. He's pretty crazy, but S.B.R.E. Brown knows what he's talking about. Here's his review. The Pilot Metropolitan is a solid buy, too.

-Andy

 

[Phil1-6]

Now that I have one, I agree with the Pilot Metropolitan as being a solid buy. A much better pen than my Scheaffer Nononsense for about the same money (if you count having to buy a converter for the Scheaffer).

 

[nemo]

I'd go with the F-Spirit. He's pretty crazy, but S.B.R.E. Brown knows what he's talking about. Here's his review.

-Andy

I agree on this.

 

[Teppanyaki]

Looks like the F-Spirit wins. I am hoping that this doesn't turn into another hobby like razors - my budget would hurt even more . . .

 

[Eeyore]

Now that I have one, I agree with the Pilot Metropolitan as being a solid buy. A much better pen than my Scheaffer Nononsense for about the same money (if you count having to buy a converter for the Scheaffer).

Are you talking about the NoNonsense pens with the hard rubber feed? Or did they switch to plastic nowadays?

The HR feed was magical! And the same nib design has been in use since the Cadet of the 50's.

The NN is a classic, in my book (and can be used as an ED pen)

 

[nemo]

Those hard rubber feeds really work well, I used to harvest them from student Sheaffer pens for use in other more modern high-end pens using crummy plastic feeds.

Now people actually want the school pens.

 

[Eeyore]

I once improved a Sheaffer Balance LE 100% by switching the plastic feed with the HR feed of a Sheaffer NN pen. Plus I swapped the nib for a real (vintage) Lifetime nib.

Still not sure if I should have sold that pen ...

 

[Phil1-6]

Are you talking about the NoNonsense pens with the hard rubber feed? Or did they switch to plastic nowadays?

The HR feed was magical! And the same nib design has been in use since the Cadet of the 50's.

The NN is a classic, in my book (and can be used as an ED pen)

I have no idea and I have no idea what you're writing about. I don't know what you mean by HR versus NN feeds. I just know that this 90's vintage Nononsense fine point is rather scratchy while the Pilot Metro is so much smoother (and looks cooler too).