Advice on a quality writing instrument

57plymouth · Jul 20, 2010

I'm interested in buying a quality writing instrument. I'd like something that I can use regularly. What advice would you offer to someone who knows nothing about good pens and wants to get something nicer than a Cross ball point. Where would you look in addition to e-bay?

Adcurium · Jul 20, 2010

I do a lot of writing/signing every day and I prefer Mont Blanc and Waterman.

David Conwill · Jul 20, 2010

I have an Esterbrook SJ, a Waterman Phineas, and a few Sheaffer No-Nonsense fountain pens. I also have a Sheaffer Prelude that I can’t locate at the moment (it’s probably in a jacket pocket, and I’ll find it in the fall). All are good writers.

The Prelude is my favorite writer, followed by the Esterbrook, the No-Nonsenses and the Phineas. The Esterbrook would be number one if it were the same size as the Prelude. Someday I’ll bite the bullet and drop $35 on a full-size J.

The Phineas is still a great writer, but the point is just a tad too fine for my handwriting. It’s great for using in my checkbook, or making notes in the margins of documents.

The Esterbrook and the Prelude invariably leave my fingertips ink stained. The Prelude had improved in this regard dramatically, just before I misplaced it, with the application of a bit of silicone grease from the local dive shop.

The No-Nonsense pens are probably my least favorite, despite the fact that they’re excellent writers and clean. They’re just ugly, and have no provision for using bottled ink. That being said, they’re still a regular part of my rotation.

I also keep a few Zebra GR gel pens around for emergencies/loaners. They’re nice writers, especially for ball points. The office ball points (as well as most that I encounter everywhere else) are just junk, and make my handwriting illegible.

Hope this helps.

-Dave

Edit: You asked for sources as well. My Phineas came from Office Max as a part of a box set. My Esterbrook came from eBay (try searching by the tip you want, instead of “Esterbrook J” or whatever, it will bring up mis-listed and non-standard pens). My Prelude came from a pen-and-shaver store in Grand Rapids, and my No-Nonsense pens I bought at a garage sale for a buck.

Shangas · Jul 21, 2010

A good fountain pen is the best writing instrument. Comfortable, long-lasting, uniqe and easy to use.

Unless you're a lefty.

If you aren't...then read on...

Good brands include Waterman, Parker, Sheaffer, Cross, Visconti...there are literally dozens of companies that make fountain pens, I won't list them all here.

If you think you need help with fountain pens, check my blog (below) and click on the "Pens" area.

Mav · Jul 21, 2010

Waterman rollers are great, but for some reason I always fall back on my chrome Cross ballpoint. I reserve my fountain for journal entries and other whacked out esoteric writing.

John in Covina · Apr 16, 2011

When it comes to pens and writing you will have to simply try a variety of pens to see what you like to use. WHat you will use them for has a lot of bearing on what you can use also.

Some pens are susceptible to clogging if you have to write on papers that are fresh out of a copier or printer. The chemicals and coating can interfere with the inks and screw up a pen royally. Some papers have a coating on them that will cause interference and recycled paper can pass along those chemicals and coatings. Paper fresh out of a copier you should let it sit and breathe, then there is less chance of interference.

I like Gel pens such as Pilot G2 pens as they flow well. (My favorites are fountain pens but in a busy office they can be a hazard.) Look for the disposable Pilot Varsity pens to try out fountain pens.

In vintage foutain pens I'd say try a few Esterbrooks, they have like 20 different changible nibs so you can dial in what you want. Parker, Wahl-Eversharp are good. Modern you can get Lamy Safari, some of the Conklins and try maybe a Laban for good but inexpensive.

Moving up Pilot / Namiki, Pelikan and Rotring are neat.

A good pen costs money but you keep the pen and replace the ink supply instead of just tossing it into the landfill.

Edward · Apr 16, 2011

Shangas said:
A good fountain pen is the best writing instrument. Comfortable, long-lasting, uniqe and easy to use.

Unless you're a lefty.

Pschaw. Never been a problem for me: the secret is a decent, quick-drying ink.

My favourite pen of all is still the Parker 51. A readily available, modern equivalent, if you prefer to buy new, can be found in the Chinese Hero 100 or Hero 1000 models. I'd be inclined to avoid the 300 / 600 Hero models, as while they look the part, they're not of the same quality. I also have a Duke Picasso, another Chinese made pen, which is beautiful. Parker Frontier pens, while cartridge pens, work very nicely with an adaptor and bottle ink, and can be picked up for very little on eBay. I'm also a fan of the Waterman Phileas pens. I am told these are now out of production, but they can still be had new - most readily on eBay. A nice modern pen like one of these would probably be an easier place to start than repairing something vintage.

Shangas · Apr 17, 2011

Hahahah!! So I stand corrected, Edward.

I agree, the Parker '51' is a fine pen. Although a bit tricky to orientate if you're not used to hooded nibs.

Kirk H. · Apr 17, 2011

57plymouth said:
I'm interested in buying a quality writing instrument. I'd like something that I can use regularly. What advice would you offer to someone who knows nothing about good pens and wants to get something nicer than a Cross ball point. Where would you look in addition to e-bay?

Are you looking for a ball point, roller ball, or a fountain pen?

Regards

Kirk H.

DeaconKC · Apr 17, 2011

Kirk asks a great question, what kind of pen will you use? I started using a fountain pen some time ago for my journal, but now use them daily. However, if you are constantly grabbing your pen out of your pocket for quick notes, the convenience of a click pen is very compelling. If you have not tried a fountain pen, grab a set of the Pilot disposables from an office supply to try. They are called Varsity or V depending on your location, and are pretty good little pens. Then if you like it, get a pen with a built in converter or piston. They are far superior to constantly changing cartridges out. Pilot makes excellent starter priced pens with great nibs, I will disagree on the Parker 51 [I know it's blasphemous] but the Parker 45 is just as good and costs a lot less. The Cross Classic is another great value to start out with. THEN, if you like FPs get a Lamy 2000 or a Pelikan.

jkingrph · Aug 12, 2011

I have some vintage Parker 51's and all are good writers. Same can be said for some 50's vintage Sheaffer snorkle's, and a mid 60's Sheaffer cartridge fill pen I used in college. Montblancs are always good. The newest I have and use the most is a Parker Sonnet.

Unlucky Berman · Aug 12, 2011

jkingrph said:
Same can be said for some 50's vintage Sheaffer snorkle's, and a mid 60's Sheaffer cartridge fill pen I used in college.

It can also be said about the earlier Sheaffers from the 1930s/40s. I own several nice Sheaffer Balance models and they are great at writing (really good balanced in the hand) and eyecatchers with their streamlined designs and fancy colors. Especially carmine red looks very swish. The same goes for the old Parker Parkette and the Doufold of that era. Also one of my favorites is the Eversharp Skyline of the 1940s with nice flexible nib and one of the coolest designs I know.

The best source besides some sellers in the "bay" is also the fountainpennetwork board, where there is always a good chance to get a very nice one already serviced and in good condition.

The Private Eye · Aug 12, 2011

I use a Parker "Roller Sonnet" personnally.
A fountain pen can still have a leak. If it worn in the pocket of a suit it could be a problem...
The Parker has a good grip, it's elegant and discreet, black coated.

stylo-roller-sonnet-laque-noir-intense-chrome-parker-1.jpg

Shangas · Aug 12, 2011

A good fountain pen will never leak, no matter how old it is. And I would stand behind that statement.

Except if you're on a plane.

And there are safeguards you can take against that.

The Private Eye · Aug 12, 2011

Shangas said:
A good fountain pen will never leak, no matter how old it is. And I would stand behind that statement.

Except if you're on a plane.

And there are safeguards you can take against that.

I do not question your expertise on the subject, but I trust in my own experience.
The Titanic couldn't sink, but she did.
I have owned two fountain pens who have left an indelible souvenir on me.

James71 · Aug 12, 2011

I second the pshaw above. I'm a lefty and have no problems with my fountain pen.

James71 · Aug 12, 2011

The only time my pen leaked was on a plane. What are the things that can be done other than washing the shirt..

Shangas · Aug 12, 2011

Precautions with regards to fountain pens on aircraft...

1. Either empty the pen or fill the pen completely, before boarding.
2. If the pen is full - Keep it nib-up during takeoff & landing.
3. If using the pen, open it CAREFULLY over a couple of sheets of tissue-paper (or other suitably absorbent material such as paper napkins). Occasionally they can get a bit dribbly. Modern pens not so much, but this can happen with vintage pens. To be even safer, open the pen in the bathroom over the sink.

Once the pen's adjusted to the air-pressure, it should work fine. I believe it was Graham Greene who once said that ballpoint pens were useless for everything apart from filling out forms on aircraft. Perhaps he was right.

Nevertheless, I've only had two pens leak on me, out of the dozens that I've flown around the world with, both due to carelessness.

John in Covina · Aug 12, 2011

I have had 2 pen give me problems. Both times the cap came off the pen and the capillary action of the ink & feed on my shirt pocket made for a big ink spot. Both times it was because I did not close the cap all the way.

I have had a Parker ink blob on my paper but it was near empty of ink and the tempurature was quite warm so the air in the bladder forced the ink out. Had it been full it would not have blobbed.

1930artdeco · Aug 22, 2011

For us Lefties out there, where do you get a quick drying ink? A good qualiaty pen is in my future.

Mike

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