Big fountain pen

[hehiheho]

I would like to have a really big pen. Big diameter, and it should not be too short. If possible, I'd like it to be black (not necessary).

 

- The size of the grip section matters much, so the Rotring Core is not what I want.

- The price should be under 150 euros, clearly. Closer to 20 euros is better... No need to talk to me about MB or Danitrio.

- I am not interested in vintage, not at all. Although, used modern pens are not a problem.

 

Is there anything satisfying all these criteria?

Edited April 20, 2010 by hehiheho

[Namo]

You could have a look at Indian ebonite FPs, some of them are quite big. For about 60-70$, you can have a very good pen with a German iridium nib.

[irony]

Indian Fountain pens....www.allwritenow.net

 

Take a look at their website....lots of different styles and the price meets your criteria.

There may be reviews on FPN too!

[Aysedasi]

Absolutely agree. I've just bought a magnificent Varuna Vishal which (when Oxonian has finished with it) is likely to be my pride and joy - and at a price which seriously mocks expensive european pens.

[hehiheho]

Nice. Thanks. I have looked at that website. I have a doubt about the 15cm diameter I found several times, though. The important for me is the diameter of the grip section, not that of the whole pen. For those who own one of these pen, please tell me the diameter of the grip sections of these pens (in any length unit).

[Chris]

15cm diameter that's some biiig pen!

Sorry, but after a morning spend proof-reading the company annual report it rather jumped out

 

I like pens of various sizes but my biggest is the Cross Townsend. I don't know about new prices but I have several second-hand ones that are perfect for me, including black with gold trim, that were inexpensive - even the silver and gold (sadly, not solid) ones.

 

Chris

[Namo]

Nice. Thanks. I have looked at that website. I have a doubt about the 15cm diameter I found several times, though. The important for me is the diameter of the grip section, not that of the whole pen. For those who own one of these pen, please tell me the diameter of the grip sections of these pens (in any length unit).

 

It depends a lot of where you hold your pen. The Vishal model has a step, so the grip section isn't as big as the barrel; the Rajan model is pretty big, the section being as big as the barrel, except very near the nob - but the difference is not a big one (I use the Rajan model, the step on the Vishal is a problem to me). Don't forget there are others brand of big pens - I already mention Laban, you could look at Guider's pen (see in the reviews forum).

[bird101]

do you like lamy safari?

[hehiheho]

It seems taht the Varuna Rajan, Laban Mento, Ratnamson Supreme and Guider Jumbo could each be the pen I want, in terms of size. I have seen pictures comparing their size to a Safari, so I can know very well their size. Actually, i did not really know anything about Indian pens before today. I have sadly just realized that all are eyedroppers. I would prefer a more modern and conventional filling system.

 

 

 

Bird, I have used Lamy Safaris a lot. I became dissatisfied of the place made for the fingers, and also the grip section is not very big, actually.

[Kirk]

The Monteverde Mega fountain pen is around $100 USD and is pretty big.

 

You said no Danitrio, is that because of cost? The Danitrio Cum Laude large is pretty big and can be had with a nice celluloid barrel for $90.

 

Kirk

[Dace]

It seems taht the Varuna Rajan, Laban Mento, Ratnamson Supreme and Guider Jumbo could each be the pen I want, in terms of size. I have seen pictures comparing their size to a Safari, so I can know very well their size. Actually, i did not really know anything about Indian pens before today. I have sadly just realized that all are eyedroppers. I would prefer a more modern and conventional filling system.

 

 

 

Bird, I have used Lamy Safaris a lot. I became dissatisfied of the place made for the fingers, and also the grip section is not very big, actually.

 

Allwritenow which sells the Varuna pens will convert them into a catridge pen for less than $10.

[AllWriteNow]

It seems that the Varuna Rajan, Laban Mento, Ratnamson Supreme and Guider Jumbo could each be the pen I want, in terms of size. I have seen pictures comparing their size to a Safari, so I can know very well their size. Actually, i did not really know anything about Indian pens before today. I have sadly just realized that all are eyedroppers. I would prefer a more modern and conventional filling system.

 

 

We are able to retro fit a Cross Converter into the Rajan, Vishal and a Con-70 into the Gajendra pens.

 

Added cost is ONLY $8.00

 

 

Thank you

 

Steve

[donwinn]

It seems taht the Varuna Rajan, Laban Mento, Ratnamson Supreme and Guider Jumbo could each be the pen I want, in terms of size. I have seen pictures comparing their size to a Safari, so I can know very well their size. Actually, i did not really know anything about Indian pens before today. I have sadly just realized that all are eyedroppers. I would prefer a more modern and conventional filling system.

 

 

 

Bird, I have used Lamy Safaris a lot. I became dissatisfied of the place made for the fingers, and also the grip section is not very big, actually.

 

Some of the Varuna pens are available with converter installed. Look down toward the bottom with pricing for steel Jowo German nibs, gold nibs, and converter installation, usually around $8 additional.

 

Donnie

[hehiheho]

I did not know there were affordable Danitrios. In my mind it was 1000$ pens. Sorry for the remark in my first post.

 

Monteverde Mega has a very big step between the body and the place for fingers, I think it is so big that it will bother me. But it may be a good solution for some people searching for this kind of pen.

 

I did not see the converter option on allwritenow.com. Now this is a great pen. I like very much the con-70, but I prefer a pen without step between barrel and grip (this is not a necessary criterion, though). So I guess a Rajan with a Cross converter will be my pick. Or a not-too-expensive Danitrio. Not decided yet.

 

Thanks everybody.

[pkoko]

Have you considered an Asian Pens ? The Pilot VP is a relatively thick pen. It also comes in black trim but it is not very long.

 

From Isellpens.com Kalegui Pens are really nice value for the money. I have the 335 and it is really nice looking and performing pen.

 

The Lamy 2K is also a nice sized pen that looks really neat and professional and might be big enough for you.

[RayMan]

Take a look at the Taccia Momenta. I have the fountain pen, and rollerball. Biggest pen I've used. I don't have the pen with me right now, but if you want the measurements, let me know and I'll post them.

[physicsgirl]

Have you looked at the Laban Mento? They are HUGE, and affordable ~$70 USD. I have the white electric in broad (the nib sizes tend to run thin), and it is black with white swirls.

[Aysedasi]

The Mento is a super size, but the plated nibs aren't great. I had Oxonian work his magic on my broad nib.....

[hehiheho]

Pkoko, Lamy 2K and VP are nor really big enough. Especially, the VP is not long enough (I have quite long fingers). I guess you meant Kaigelu, which is not small, but not as large as other pens mentionned above (I have read it would be the same size as a Duofold Centennial, which is "only" 13mm wide).

 

Rayman, the impression Taccia gave to me is very "bling". Also, the diameter seems not as big as other pens described earlier.

 

Phisicsgirl and Aysedassi, yes, the Laban Mento was on my list in this reply. It should have stayed on my list, but I am not sure the grip section is convenient. I still place it back on my list.

 

 

 

For those who want, here is my subjective conclusion up to now. The big pens with a reasonable price I'll remember are:

- Varuna Rajan

- Laban Mento

- Danitrio Cumlaude

 

Thank you all for these informations.

Edited April 21, 2010 by hehiheho

[pkoko]

I don't yet have measurements but I figured I give you a picture reply of the comparable sizes of those pens

They are Pilot VP, Lamy 2K, Kaigelu 335, and Sailor 1911 Sterling Silver Full size.

 

As you can see the biggest(widest) pen is the sailor, which is my largest pen BTW. Then the pilot VP, then the Lamy 2K, and lastly the Kaigelu.

As length when posted it goes Kaigelu, Sailor, Lamy 2k, then lastly Pilot VP.

Weight wise, it goes Sailor (b/c it is sterling silver), Kaigelu, Pilot VP, then Lamy 2K (even when full of ink)

 

You may also want to check

http://www.nibs.com/pen_measures/index.php

http://www.richardspens.com/

 

for size comparisons

 

Hope this helps

Edited April 21, 2010 by pkoko