Present for the wife

[twitch182]

I'm not big on pens, or writing (actually my penmanship is horrible) but my wife is. She has been trying to do some writing, but was finding it hard not due to content, but due to actual writing instrument. She tried with the computer, with some bic disposables and with a nicer ballpoint. Before she left to take my son to the pool, she was complaining that she need *something* to write with.

Soooo, I spent an hour or so on the wiki, browsing the forum, and looking at sub $40 pens. I ended up settling on a Lamy Safari fountain along with a cartridge converter. I know I can get the pen for >25 on amazon, and possibly cheaper elsewhere online, but I opted to pay $35 from the one local store that carries pens. When she came home, I was able to give her a nice present for around $50 that included an OK notebook, the pen, some Higgins ink, a cartridge converter and some cartridge refills.

Which leads me to the question: From what I understand, the Higgins india ink is not really india ink and isn't great. I got it for about $5 so I'm not too worried about wasting that money, I'm just curious if it will harm the pen or require extra cleaning. Should I grab some decent ink from somewhere else and consider this bottle money wasted?

Thanks for helping make my wife happy

 

[Snargle]

I would NOT use the Higgins ink. From what I know, it's a drawing ink, intended for dip pens, and not for fountain pens. It may have ingredients in it that could gunk up or totally clog the filling mechanism of a fountain pen. Check an office supply store and see if they have any bottled ink specifically manufactured for fountain pens. For the time being, have her use the cartridges until you can get a proper ink.

 

[twitch182]

I would NOT use the Higgins ink. From what I know, it's a drawing ink, intended for dip pens, and not for fountain pens. It may have ingredients in it that could gunk up or totally clog the filling mechanism of a fountain pen. Check an office supply store and see if they have any bottled ink specifically manufactured for fountain pens. For the time being, have her use the cartridges until you can get a proper ink.

Awesome, thank you very much. It's labeled as fountain pen ink, but the same ink has TONS of negative reviews on amazon. She's happy with carts for the time being and I don't think she'll run out in the next two weeks.

 

[Boro62]

Awesome, thank you very much. It's labeled as fountain pen ink, but the same ink has TONS of negative reviews on amazon. She's happy with carts for the time being and I don't think she'll run out in the next two weeks.

I use a black higgins ink for my dip pen. I wouldn't put it in any of my fountain pens though. I can see it really clogging up a feed.

BTW are there any colors your looking for specifically for her?

 

[twitch182]

I use a black higgins ink for my dip pen. I wouldn't put it in any of my fountain pens though. I can see it really clogging up a feed.

BTW are there any colors your looking for specifically for her?

As far as the Higgins ink goes, I think I'm going to return it. I can't decide if driving over is worth 5 bucks or not but regardless, it's not going in the pen.

I think the only color that she want's outside of the standard blue/black is a deep brownish yellow. Something along the color of mustard seeds.

 

[Boro62]

I can probably send u some samples for her to try...ill shoot u a PM in a bit

 

[twitch182]

You're more than generous! I saw your PM and replies. Thanks!

 

[purerockfury]

Nice little surprise I hope your wife likes it. I love my Safari, it writes smooth and consistently for me. I am desperately trying to get through my cartridge so I can get using my converter and bottled ink.