Parker 88

[musicman1951]

Greetings from a new reader to this forum (I've been lurking for a week trying to soak up some knowledge).

You inspired me to find my old Parker 88 in gold/metallic gray. I purchased this pen quite a while ago.

I no longer have the converter, so I purchased some black cartridges.

I don't know anything about the nib, but I'm guessing it's a medium.

I have a few questions about ink:

Can I still purchase a converter for this pen?

How does one decide on waterproof (permanent?) ink?

What would be the advantage of non-permanent ink?

Are the different colors simply a matter of personal preference? I assume they are.

Are bottles of ink cheaper than cartridges?

From what I read this will fit my pen: http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Fountain-Deluxe-Converter-5638200/dp/B00135JVKQ


Thank you for filling in my obviously large knowledge gap.

 

[RichieRich3902]

Any Parker converter will fit, it is one of their redeeming qualities.

Perm or not just depends on what you're doing and if you want permanent ink or not. I use permanent for signing documents and checks so they cannot be washed (I doubt many try this anymore though).

Different inks have different qualities, an advantage is the ink should come off your clothes, desk, or cat) if you have an accident.

Bottles are always cheaper than carts, bottles run from about $2-4/oz. and up carts run $1-$2 and up each.

That converter will work, there are several style to choose from amongst Parker, I like the slide converters for my Parker 45's

 

[maxman]

Welcome! I can't speak to the converter, but for ink, bottles will give you the best variety.
Cartridges are convenient, especially at work, but the bottled ink variety is fun to play with.

 

[Eeyore]

Welcome ... congratulations on a fine pen!

Any Parker converter should work. However, what I usually do is refilling cartridges with a syringe (with a needle, of course).

 

[musicman1951]

Thank you for the good information. I never considered the great advantage of being able to wash ink from surfaces (and cats) - makes perfect sense.

I just found syringes on Amazon.

Many thanks,
Keith