What pen?

[Ravenbait]

I write a lot (I have hypergraphia) and while some of it ends up transcribed to the computer, the vast majority starts off as ink on paper. I have an obsessive's stash of Bic cristal grip biros because they write so nicely on Moleskines, but I also write with a fountain pen.

I use a stainless steel Parker Vector, which is hardly high-end as pens go, and fancied treating myself. So I had a look at some of the more expensive pens on the market. Having had a heart attack over pens costing upwards of 1000 of your Earth pounds (I mean, for REAL?) I was wondering what the discerning members of this forum would reccomend in the way of a good quality fountain pen.

Must haves: slim design, refillable from bottled ink rather than cartridge (inbuilt refillable reservoir or converter preferred), smooth writing (naturally), fairly narrow line.

Sam

 

[Fnaar]

If I have a pen, I will inevitably chew it or lose it at some point. For these reasons, I have relied on cheapo placcy ones for 20+yrs.

 

[tdr1nka]

I have a 'Space Pen', it is compact and can write on soggy paper, which at this time of year I seem to do a lot of.

 

[mark barker]

I'm a fan of Waterman pens, and currently use the Carene. They're not the slimmest of designs, but really make writing a pleasure.

Waterman

 

[marinyork]

Is Montegrappa too expensive?

I know what you mean about the vector pens. Somehow the lids are quite prone to going too.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Rotring for fountain pens and propelling pencils.

 

[John the Monkey]

Rotring Art pens are really lovely Sam, but not high end (think £15 ish?) I like their "Esprit" collapsible pen too. I think both use cartridges, although I seem to recall that you can get an adaptor for the Art Pen.

Lots of recommendations in this thread for the pricey stuff though; https://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[accountantpete]

It's not the make but rather the quality of the nib..

I have a Sheaffer 14k gold nib which is exellent and much better than a same make steel nib.

You probably want a "fine" nib but as always some makers vary with their sizes.

 

[Kestevan]

Cross Englesburger.

In fact any of the Cross models are pretty good, but I like that one because its fairly slim and fairly plain.

 

[Hacienda71]

Cross are good and if money is not an object Mont Blanc.

 

[Ravenbait]

Montegrappa is definitely too expensive!

OK. When I said "high end" I sort of meant in the £30 - 100 range, rather than the £100 - 500 range.

Although the Rotring Artpen does look nice because of the interchangeable nib. Not sure about the ridged finish, though. I write a lot -- enough to have a deformed middle finger from where the pen sits against the joint. That's why I prefer a slim design (easier to keep the pressure off) and I like the rubber grip on the cristal bics.

The Cross Sentiment looks quite nice, although those charm things are naff.

The Lamy CP-1 also looks nice, although it's on the expensive side for just treating myself.

Hurm

.

Might have to go find a shop and see how they feel in the hand.

Sam

 

[topcat1]

hello sam, how about tombow, the 101 carbon it's supposed to be pretty light

there's also the 707 but that's a ball point

 

[Ravenbait]

hello sam, how about tombow, the 101 carbon it's supposed to be pretty light

there's also the 707 but that's a ball point

oooooOOOOOOOooo.

A fountain pen that will satisfy my carbon fibre cravings!

Sam

 

[Melvil]

+1 I not only write with my waterman (bought for a most reasonable £50) but draw a lot with it, too. It's silky smooth and very comfortable to hold and the build is superb.

I'm a fan of Waterman pens, and currently use the Carene. They're not the slimmest of designs, but really make writing a pleasure.

Waterman

 

[Paul.G.]

For over two years I have managed to keep my pen purchase addiction under tight control, gone from buying at least one new one per week to making a retractable pencil last for months. I honestly thought I was the only person who had this obsession which in some way helped me get it in check but now I see I was not alone and all my pen purchasing deamons are coming back - now I'm back to sqaure one, bike bits or pens - it's a hard life when your an addict!!