The writing instruments thread

[rum]

Seems like there are a few threads here about watches, shoes and grooming, but I've seen nothing about pens, mechanical pencils and other writing instruments. So for the discussion of these things - luxury or otherwise - discuss away right here.

I personally have owned Parker pens in the past, but more recently have a Waterman. I wonder if people think Montblanc are good, worth it, etc. Any opinions?

 

[hednic]

I like the Montblanc high-end pens, but prefer the Montegrappa high-end offerings of which I own a few.

 

[FiveoaksBouquet]

Nice to see a thread on writing instruments. I can’t speak for every model of Montblanc but I use a Meisterstück 144 in Fine and a 146 in Medium and find them excellent writers.

For many years I thought of Montblanc as merely for snob appeal and wanted nothing to do with them—until I wrote with one. That turned me into a fan. The thing is it’s best to try a pen before buying to see if you like the feel of it and the look it gives to your script. If you do follow up, rum, I’d be interested in your impressions.

 

[Brooks Otterlake]

Pens are too easy to lose for me to invest in a really nice one, so I've never gotten into this hobby. That said, I know a few die-hard pen enthusiasts and they're adamant that there's a growing crop of budget Chinese and Indian penmakers that are delivering great value. Accordingly, I have a Jinhao fountain pen that I use with Montblanc ink cartridges. It writes very nicely.

 

[rum]

Nice to see a thread on writing instruments. I can’t speak for every model of Montblanc but I use a Meisterstück 144 in Fine and a 146 in Medium and find them excellent writers.

For many years I thought of Montblanc as merely for snob appeal and wanted nothing to do with them—until I wrote with one. That turned me into a fan. The thing is it’s best to try a pen before buying to see if you like the feel of it and the look it gives to your script. If you do follow up, rum, I’d be interested in your impressions.

Thanks for this - in a way this is what I was hoping not to hear!
I am looking at the Le Grand range as I like the balance and feel of it. It's between rollerball and fountain in my case - both write very well and the rollerball seems less messy to me. I've owned fountain pens in the past. I just can't risk another leaky-pen-and-shirt incident.

 

[Danny Mitchell]

I've always wanted to get a nice writing pen. The most I've ever spent was probably around $10 for one at Staples. I've never looked out in the wild outside of stores like Staples or Target. As far as brick 'n mortar stores, in the US, where are some good places to look?


For regular office use, I always go with Pilot G-2, Bold

 

[Ken_Russell]

So far, the most expensive one did ever own and use was an early 90s Lamy fountain pen, but would hardly call it high end.

Other than this, the one that got most daily use including several exams for both high school and university plus daily use during most if not all classes during university was a sturdy Herlitz pen, also from the (this time mid to late) 90s.

 

[Brooks Otterlake]

As far as brick 'n mortar stores, in the US, where are some good places to look?

There aren't any chain stores I'd recommend. You're best bet is to find a boutique that specializes in pen and paper.

 

[freewheelingvagabond]

I've always wanted to get a nice writing pen. The most I've ever spent was probably around $10 for one at Staples. I've never looked out in the wild outside of stores like Staples or Target. As far as brick 'n mortar stores, in the US, where are some good places to look?


For regular office use, I always go with Pilot G-2, Bold

http://www.marcuslink.com/pens/storesofnote/usa.html

 

[Danny Mitchell]

http://www.marcuslink.com/pens/storesofnote/usa.html

Thanks for the link! Looks like nothing close to me. My city isn't listed.

 

[hednic]

As far as brick 'n mortar stores, in the US, where are some good places to look?

Levenger

 

[Oviatt]

I have some really nice pens but my everyday ones are by the German company Kaweco ( https://www.kaweco-pen.com/en/). Great pens, very inexpensive, lots of different styles and a great logo. The sport model is my favorite:

 

[PrinceRF]

For everyday use, I prefer Pilot G-2 rollerball pens. Super smooth, and the ink lasts a very long time.

 

[FiveoaksBouquet]

I've always wanted to get a nice writing pen. The most I've ever spent was probably around $10 for one at Staples. I've never looked out in the wild outside of stores like Staples or Target. As far as brick 'n mortar stores, in the US, where are some good places to look?


For regular office use, I always go with Pilot G-2, Bold

So many pen stores have closed in the last few years, with fountain pen sales shifting to online. This can be okay for people who already know their preferences and are familiar with the characteristics of various brands but for a person who wants to get the feel of a pen and nib, online is not very helpful.

There may be some places in different areas that carry fountain pens; the marcuslink list is very good for major known pen stores but is not all-inclusive. It’s worth doing a search in one’s own area as some smaller pen and paper stores have been popping up.

 

[Alonewithcologne]

I use exclusively fountain pens, and have several. The Pilot Custom 823 is my favorite: it's very smooth and holds a lot of ink.

 

[Danny Mitchell]

For everyday use, I prefer Pilot G-2 rollerball pens. Super smooth, and the ink lasts a very long time.

Sharpie came out with some gel pens and giving my G-2 Bold pens a run for their money!

 

[RC.]

As far as brick 'n mortar stores, in the US, where are some good places to look?

Anderson Pens in the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago was really good, but it closed with the pandemic. I guess it remains to be seen if they will reopen.

 

[Renato]

For writing at any angle, or underwater, or in a vacuum, I think my Fisher Space pens are pretty neat - can get that last note off before one expires.

I also like using Chinese tactical pens with Parker refills - they work well and are handy for breaking windscreens, should a car I'm in ever find itself under water. And they're so big, I rarely misplace them.
Regards,
Renato

 

[Beatrice Callan]

What can you say about Waterman pens? They are slightly cheaper than Mont Blanc. But I heard that they are not bad in quality and it seems to me, but everything needs to be tried and compared.

 

[FiveoaksBouquet]

What can you say about Waterman pens? They are slightly cheaper than Mont Blanc. But I heard that they are not bad in quality and it seems to me, but everything needs to be tried and compared.

Waterman has a long history and good reputation for quality. Their website says their fine pens are made in France. Maybe that means they have some lower-end lines made elsewhere. It's true that it's best if you can try a pen to see if you like the nib size and style and if it feels good in your hand, especially if you haven't used the brand before. Are you already a fountain pen user? What kind of pens have you liked in the past?

I have Waterman pens, from old family pens to pens made in the 2000s and they're all good.

 

[ionone]

Peter Draws' prefered pen is the technical pen Rotring isograph 0.35mm
this kind of pen fascinates me, but i'm not sure i'll enjoy the scratchiness of the tip on the paper, I like smooth tips
but the qualityof the lines is unprecedented

 

[StylinLA]

I am fascinated by fountain pens for journaling.

My pride and joy is a sterling silver Pilot dragon.

I have four Watermans which are really great, dependable pens. My Waterman Opera has appreciated a bit in value and is fairly elegant.

My brother is a thrifty but thoughtful gift giver. He sent me a very inexpensive Hondigan. It has shocked me how much I like it.
Really nice and unexpected at that price point.

- - - Updated - - -

What can you say about Waterman pens? They are slightly cheaper than Mont Blanc. But I heard that they are not bad in quality and it seems to me, but everything needs to be tried and compared.

I have four and think they are awesome. I can attest they are well made, top quality and durable.

I would advise trying to sample write with the medium point and fine point to see which you prefer. It's also good to get the feel for different sizes and finishes in your hand.

Though a bit "heavy," I prefer the medium point personally.

 

[Brooks Otterlake]

I was given a Kaweco Sport as a stocking stuffer and, as affordable as it is, it writes like a dream.

 

[lair77]

Once you get above the $30-40 price point of a fountain pen, you're no longer paying for improved functionality. You're paying for the aesthetics, name brand, and the materials on the outside.

 

[lair77]

My personal standard of a good pen:

• The ink is easy and convenient to fill up
• The cap closes well, and feels good to open
• The nib size is to my liking

I have both lighter weight and heavier pens, but usually prefer writing with lighter pens.

 

[FiveoaksBouquet]

Once you get above the $30-40 price point of a fountain pen, you're no longer paying for improved functionality. You're paying for the aesthetics, name brand, and the materials on the outside.

Thinking of my own pens, much as I hate to admit it, this could be true. Some pens write better than others irrespective of price range.

One of the best performing pens I have is a vintage Sheaffer school pen with Fine point. It’s from a garage sale put on by a guy who makes his living scavenging for items in the garbage and selling them. I got it for nostalgia as it’s what I used to use in school days and it cost around 25¢.

For a person interested only in functionality (or nostalgia) a good quality inexpensive pen can be a reliable and enjoyable tool for life. The danger is once a person becomes interested in fountain pens, it’s like perfume—you don’t stop at one or at one price level, just because it’s good. 😊

 

[Alonewithcologne]

Once you get above the $30-40 price point of a fountain pen, you're no longer paying for improved functionality. You're paying for the aesthetics, name brand, and the materials on the outside.

This is true, except that it misses the quality of the writing experience. A good gold nib feels so wonderful, especially if you like a soft smooth writing experience. The diminishing returns for the feel of the pen on paper probably start around the $150 mark for my tastes.

 

[DoctorM81]

Acqua di Parma actually released a couple of pens a few years back (they've put out a good selection of leather products and other accessories over the years). I think they were made by Aurora; a ballpoint and a fountain with a choice of nibs, IIRC. Long gone now, I think, but they were very nice items.

 

[FiveoaksBouquet]

Acqua di Parma actually released a couple of pens a few years back (they've put out a good selection of leather products and other accessories over the years). I think they were made by Aurora; a ballpoint and a fountain with a choice of nibs, IIRC. Long gone now, I think, but they were very nice items.

That sounds interesting. Sorry I didn’t hear of it at the time. Aurora is a venerable pen brand.

 

[Alonewithcologne]

My rose gold TWSBI Diamond 580 broke yesterday. It's a shame, I loved that pen, and it was the only stub I had. I think I'll replace it with a Vanishing Point in a stub nib.

 

[Marty McFly]

Of all my forty-some pens of varying prices and rarity, my favorite to write with is this inexpensive Muji aluminum pen with fine nib. It draws a perfect line, lays down exactly the right amount of ink more smoothly than any other pen I own. (Pic on the left is the Muji against some of my collection, pic on right is a stock Muji pic.)

 

[FiveoaksBouquet]

Of all my forty-some pens of varying prices and rarity, my favorite to write with is this inexpensive Muji aluminum pen with fine nib. It draws a perfect line, lays down exactly the right amount of ink more smoothly than any other pen I own. (Pic on the left is the Muji against some of my collection, pic on right is a stock Muji pic.)

Totally understandable.

 

[Alonewithcologne]

My favorite pen to write with is my Pilot Custom Urushi in broad. It's very smooth with a bit of feedback, and it's quite springy without being at all a flex nib. The urushi lacquer also feels nice, as does the girth of the pen.

 

[lair77]

This is true, except that it misses the quality of the writing experience. A good gold nib feels so wonderful, especially if you like a soft smooth writing experience. The diminishing returns for the feel of the pen on paper probably start around the $150 mark for my tastes.

how feasible is it to take an entry-mid level pen and put a good nib on it?

 

[Marty McFly]

how feasible is it to take an entry-mid level pen and put a good nib on it?

It depends on the pen and the nib. While it's certainly possible I think it requires some skill in properly seating the nib. So either you probably spend a bit of time in trial and error, or you spend some money and find someone to professionally do it. . .and there really aren't many 'pensmiths' out there, so my guess is that whatever someone competent would charge would likely diminish any savings you think you're incurring by adding a high quality nib to a cheaper pen.

Along similar lines, years ago when I was dating my wife she got me a Montblanc Generation for my birthday. She knew nothing about pens other than that I liked them, and she got me one with a broad nib. Different strokes for different folks, but I generally do not like broad nibs for anything other than maybe writing addresses on greeting card envelopes and signing my name. I take copious notes at work, like using fountain pens, and much prefer fine nibs. I have actually replaced nibs on vintage pens, but would not dare ruin this particular pen trying to swap the nib myself, and when I took it to Montblanc some 10 years ago to see if they would do it they wanted $300 - about the value of the pen at the time.

 

[Alonewithcologne]

how feasible is it to take an entry-mid level pen and put a good nib on it?

Well, there are people who take cheap pens like those from Jinhao and put Goulet steel nibs made by JoWo on them. I'm not sure what you mean by entry-mid level, but I assume you mean putting a gold nib on something just a little more expensive than something like a Pilot Metropolitan. It's not worth it, because gold nibs are pretty expensive, and you might as well go for an entry-level gold nibbed pen. There are good fountain pens at all price points, and it's best to start with cheaper pens to find out what you like. How fine and smooth you want your nib to be is the most important thing. Everyone's tastes are different. For example, Marty loves fines, and I love broads.

 

[Salumbre]

Since we're talking writing instruments, my favorite is... the original Apple Extended Keyboard, model M0115.

Yeah, USB adapters are becoming rarer than hen's teeth, but man, it's worth it.

 

[ErroneousFact]

Since we're talking writing instruments, my favorite is... the original Apple Extended Keyboard, model M0115.

Yeah, USB adapters are becoming rarer than hen's teeth, but man, it's worth it.

Hmm, I think I remember liking the tactility of old Apple keyboards, whereas the lauded IBMs are clunky. I'm currently fine with a Logitech with Cherry Browns modded with o-rings.

As for inkpens, you've got to go with the Space Pen. Fifteen bucks, writes upside down, what else is there.

 

[Pippin06]

I enjoy thin tipped Flair markers in multiple colors. Use them to make comments on and grade the work of my first grade students. I particularly enjoy yellow, lavender, and light blue--happy colors to me.

 

[Oviatt]

I have LOTS of pens, some very expensive (mostly Mont Blancs and Cartiers). The ones I use the most, as I have posted before, are German Kaweco fountain pens--they come in all colors and are as cheap as chips AND I have never had a leak to date. Here is my latest, in British racing green (to match my car):

I love the vintage graphics on the packaging. Sometimes I match the color of the ink to the pen but green ink is a bit much.... I did give my wife an orange one with orange ink, though.