Fountain pen selection

[smdcosta]

Hi Guys,

I havnt posted here before and don't know much about pens.

I am looking for a recommendation for a fountain pen with the below criteria. Pictures of your recommendations would be great.

I am 33 years of age. I am an active person. Writing is a part of my job mainly. I write a fair bit in a journal as well. The paper I use for writing is middle mostly and sometimes good.

Not sure if any of the above is important but thought I would throw it in.

1) Used for everyday writing so should be comfortable.
2) Not sure about ink systems so whatever is a balance between quality and ease of use.
3) Would need to be fairly sturdy. I am a teacher so I use it a lot.
5) Not to finicky as I am in India 10 months of the year and servicing may be a problem.
4) Budget of 100 to 150 usd.

Thank you very much for your help,
regards
Madhava D'Costa

[mayostard]

TWSBI. It can be fully disassembled with the included tool so if you do need to make any adjustments you can probably do it yourself.

Anyone looking for a utilitarian pen that doesn't have TWSBI on their short list is doing themselves a disservice IMO.

[jose-CostaRica]

IMHO your budget is good enough to buy a very nice (in all aspects) Fountain Pen... of course... as in watches, the sky is the limit with Fountain Pens but that don't really means you are getting the best for you... anyway, based on my resources and own experience, despite the affordable price I would like to recommend to you a Lamy AL-Star, is simple, easy to maintain/clean, Aluminum barrel, sturdy body, you can go with it on the pocket or in your briefcase/backpack etc without any fear of brake it, good Nib with great ink flow, you can buy different Nibs separately.. that's a Plus!, I mean it's very versatile and very good for everyday writing, is not the most beautiful FP in the world but it's not ugly at all! I have the Ocean Blue model and I like it a lot!... ok continuing talking about LAMY and rising the price more, a better looking pen (more fine, stylish) is the Lamy Studio , another great option could be a Sheaffer 300.

just my humble thoughts ;) ... good luck!

[D N Ravenna]

I would second it on the TWSBI. The large barrel (altough you could get a smaller one) holds plenty of ink. It can be filled either by piston or by hypo or eye drop if small enough. Recently, the piston on mine starterd to stick. Using the tool they provided, I took out the piston and oiled it with silicon (also provided in the TWSBI kit). I even used the silicon to lube up the piston on one of my Pelikans. I had previously had Noodlers Permanent Black in it for four months with no hick-ups. Of course, your mileage may vary, but that is what I would take with me a venture similar to yours.

Cheers,
Dan

[J_Hack]

I say TWSBI also. And would add to consider the VAC700. It is not out yet, but soon, and appears as though ink capacity is LARGE. I believe it is supposed to go for $85 USD.

[original_chronokid]

The TWSBI pens are awesome, but based on the criteria described, you may really enjoy a vintage Parker 51. They're super writers, good ink capacity, the Aerometric model should require virtually no servicing other than an occasional rinse.

[Mugszy27]

Very good information. Thanks!

[edulpj]

TWSBI's are huge diameter pens... Think about a SLIM one. The slim pens, are the EVOLUTION of the fountain pens. A Parker 180 Flighter, is a slim pen. Made in Stainless Steel, is the best option for reliability. The nib may be used reversed, and in this case, it will give a thinner writing.

You found in eBay easily...

[D N Ravenna]

TWSBI's are huge diameter pens... Think about a SLIM one. The slim pens, are the EVOLUTION of the fountain pens. A Parker 180 Flighter, is a slim pen. Made in Stainless Steel, is the best option for reliability. The nib may be used reversed, and in this case, it will give a thinner writing.

You found in eBay easily...

Nothing wrong with the 180 Flighter, I have one as well. Ergonomically, you need to think of what is most comfortable to you. For me, I can use the 180 all day long, but a fatter pen works well for me if I am on a several day trip.

The Flighter also requires a converter or a cartridge. Converters are easier to use unless you have a hypo to transfer ink into a cartridge. But if you can find a reliable supply of cartridges, you may be set.

Lastly, about the two-sided nib. First, be sure your 180 has the two sides. I have heard that towards the end of the production, some were made only one sided. Rumor? I don't know. Also, make sure that you get the main nib in the size you want, not the reverse nib. For example, mine is Broad (primary)/Fine (reverse). It is much easier to line up the primary nib to get a good ink flow. The reverse side takes some finesse as the pen is completely round with no indexing features.

Cheers!

Dan

[edulpj]

The one-sided nib, wasn't fitted in the 180... It was the nib of its evolution, a pen called Parker Classic. I have a Classic Flighter GT. The Classic nib, writes on both sides. The difference is the FEEDER. The Classic feeder isn't well suited to deliver enough ink when the nib is upside down, but the nib is equally smooth on both sides.

Slim pens, are so ergonomical as fat ones. It's a matter of custom. I have some slim pens and they are my favourite. Parker Classic, Platinum PE-500, Reform Basic, Pelikan Signum and Ballograf Serie 2000.

Cartridge/Converter, is under-rated by the "connaiseurs", but it is the best system today. If a converter is broken, you replace it easily. Don't need to find a rare (and expensive) service...