Waterman fountain pen

[simon1]

I just ordered a Phileas, the complete kit with converter and cartridges. They only had the medium nib, and I had saw on some pen forums that the nib writes a little too thick for some people. I also tend to write small. I also saw that Waterman wants about $30 for an extra nib...best to just buy another pen. I did see the ebay seller in France on Groat's thread; I'll have to check that out some more. Although, I may like the medium nib.

Are the different nibs like razors...YMMV?

I have a Sheaffer Touchdown that was my Granddads, but I had let it set unused for awhile with ink in the bladder...you know what happened. I sent it off to Ron Zorn and he did a great complete refurbishing. I haven't put any ink in it yet, and may just use it as a display on my desk since it is a family heirloom thing. I had one or two cheap fountain pens when I was a kid...no telling what happened to them.

Now I'm wondering what kind of paper would be good for everyday use...taking notes for reports at work. Would Wallyworld have anything?

 

[Groat]

It seems to me like nibs are certainly YMMV. However, I'm finding that I like different nibs for different things. I've got a Pilot Vanishing Point that has a medium nib, but as a Japanese pen the M is a bit finer than European pens. I find that I love using this pen to take notes in class, as the ink dries fairly quickly. I've also found that I enjoy using my Waterman for writing at a more moderate pace at home. It produces a more distinguished line in my view. Something that I have not yet experimented with is different inks. I've been reading about how different types have different qualities.

As for good paper, I don't think that Wal-Mart is your best bet. I was using a FP on notebook paper you get there, the kind that's like a dollar for a hundred sheets, and it wasn't awful. That kind of paper is thin and you can only really use one side, but it worked. Some of the copier paper I've used just feathers like nuts though. LouieGrandie turned me on to Rhodia pads of paper. It's quite expensive compared to other notebook paper, but the stuff is thick and fountain pens look great on it. I found earlier today that dickblick.com has some great deals on Rhodia pads.

You will better be able to tell what you'd like best once your pen gets to you, but I made a small comparison. The Waterman pens are both using Waterman black ink. The Pilot is using black Pilot carts. The ballpoint is a Waterman refill and the Pilot G-2 is a rollerball pen.

I just ordered a Phileas, the complete kit with converter and cartridges. They only had the medium nib, and I had saw on some pen forums that the nib writes a little too thick for some people. I also tend to write small. I also saw that Waterman wants about $30 for an extra nib...best to just buy another pen. I did see the ebay seller in France on Groat's thread; I'll have to check that out some more. Although, I may like the medium nib.

Are the different nibs like razors...YMMV?

I have a Sheaffer Touchdown that was my Granddads, but I had let it set unused for awhile with ink in the bladder...you know what happened. I sent it off to Ron Zorn and he did a great complete refurbishing. I haven't put any ink in it yet, and may just use it as a display on my desk since it is a family heirloom thing. I had one or two cheap fountain pens when I was a kid...no telling what happened to them.

Now I'm wondering what kind of paper would be good for everyday use...taking notes for reports at work. Would Wallyworld have anything?

 

[superbleu]

The bagase paper sold at staples under their Eco friendly line of papers works well with fountain pens and is pretty inexpensive. Availability is spotty though.

 

[simon1]

Thanks guys. The pen arrived today...loaded it up with a cartridge and tried it on a legal pad. Worked good, but a little too thick on the writing for what I want. I think I'll look at the ebay seller's site and try and find a black one with the fine point nib (I got the blue marble one). This works o.k. for now though...didn't bleed through or anything.

Once I find one with a fine nib I can switch 'em to whichever pen I like the looks of best...at the time.

Don't have a Staples here, but went to both Office Max and Wally World to try and find the bagasse sugar cane paper stuff. Didn't see it at either place.

I usually use a Jr. Legal pad to take notes during interviews, as they fit in a coat pocket and I don't have to carry around a tablet. I think that a fountain pen will work with those as I only write on one side of the page anyway.

I wonder if I can get a converter to work in the Sheaffer...naw, better just leave that one alone. I think that the Sheaffer needed heat to get the section to let go. Maybe I'll email Ron and ask. Looks like I need to start lurking around the pen forums.

 

[superbleu]

Sometimes target has Rhodia notepads at decent prices. The Eco friendly paper I mentioned is a Staples brand product, so you won't find it at Omax or wallyworld.

 

[simon1]

Don't have a Target here either...closest one is about 80-100 miles away.

I know...bum fuc* egypt.

I think the little legal pads will work for notes, but I do want to try playing with the pens!

 

[LouieGrandie]

Waterman USA will change out the nib at no cost. All you will need is an invoice from the pen seller in France. He will send you one by e-mail. I have done it a number of times. Just do not do much writing with it. I have had the pen reseller from France switch out the nib for me. I had purchase a silver Carene and had asked for an Extra Fine and the pen came with a medium. I just sent it back and he changed out at no cost.