Recommendation - $60-80 For Stub/italic Pen

[drzenitram]

So, I currently own a Lamy Safari (EF), a Noodler's Ahab(Ease My Flex Mod + Goulet #6 1.1mm), a Pilot Parallel (2.4mm), and no-name pen/set of nibs(1.1, 1.5, 1.9) that came with a $9 calligraphy set.

 

I'll start by saying that I've realized I absolutely love the way my writing looks with an italic/stub nib(normally my writing is awful, but it's transformed by the use of one of these, somehow!). I also believe that 1.1mm is the right size for me. Thirdly, I want to use this as my daily writer, so a crisp italic is out of the question. I don't mind having to slow down a little to use a cursive italic, though.

 

My Noodler's Ahab with the Goulet #6 1.1mm is a love/hate relationship. I love the way the Goulet nib writes, but I do NOT love how finicky the Ahab is. I can't count on the Ahab to write every time I need it to, so I want to upgrade to a quality pen I can trust that also has a great italic/stub nib!

 

So, what are your recommendations? I know that the TWSBI Vac 700 would allow me to use the Goulet #6 nib, so that's already an option, but what else is there?

[Bwassung]

you could take a look at the Monteverde line. They offer a 1.1 stub for their pens. The Intima, Jewelria, and Primi fit your price range.

[carlos.q]

A Lamy 1.1mm nib for your Safari will set you back $13 to $15.00...

Edited July 2, 2013 by carlos.q

[NobleDel]

I highly recommend a Twsbi 580 broad nib ground to a stub italic by Pendleton Brown. Check for his adds in the classified section of FPN or email him. He's very easy to work with. I purchased a 580 with a stub ground broad nib from him a couple of months ago and it's perfect. It's crisper than my Lamy 1.1 nib and extremely smooth. I couldn't be more satisfied.

Edited July 2, 2013 by NobleDel

[DRWWE]

I just got this TWSBI 580, 1.1mm stub, and like it. Just under your range at $55. Nice pen. I bought it because I wanted a demonstrator and this pen was pretty highly recommended. They also have a 1.5mm stub if you want to go bolder.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w161/drwwe/Pens/A2BE236B-D9DC-4201-BBBD-9FC87C6DCFA6-19391-000051996F728D1E.jpg

I agree with you about writing with stubs. It certainly does add some character to my handwriting. I also own a Delta Fusion 82 with a stub (above your price range but I highly recommend it) and I have a a few of Lamy's nibs (1.1, 1.5, 1.9) that I also like. I'm sure you're aware that you can get a 1.1mm nib for you Safari and it is a very easy swap.

[reicel]

I can happily recommend an Italix Parson's Essential from Mr Pen - I got a broad stub for $68 including shipping and plan to order a fine stub to use as an everyday writer. It's an incredibly nice pen for the money and writes every time, smooth and silky and simply a pleasure to use.

[griz8791]

+1 on the TWSBI 580 with 1.1 stub. I'm always surprised at how much line variation I get out of it. Not as much as my Binderized Pelikan 200, but more than my Lamy Safari 1.1.

[Nashten]

Franklin-Christoph's Model 27 Collegia comes in medium or broad italics and stubs. I own a 27 with a broad italic and it is such a fantastic pen and the nib feels great. (B/M italics are 1.0 and .7 mm's and stubs are 1.1/.8 mm's, respectively.)

 

Their Model 27 is 70 dollars shipped... and their specialty nibs (stub/italic/needlepoint) are ground by Micheal Masuyama.

 

[drzenitram]

Wow. Those are some really great options. I read a few horror stories about the TWSBI 580 skipping and not starting, but when it writes it makes some beautiful lines. I also like the look of the Franklin-Christolph very much, that's a good lookin' pen.

In the end, though, I think I was seduced by the Italix Parson's Essentials review I saw on youtube, man he gushed over the smoothness of that nib! It's not my favorite in the looks department, but I think that's the route I'm going to go for my next pen.

 

Thank you everyone for your input, now I'll know what to try AFTER this one ;-)

[Nashten]

You'll be a happy camper with the Italix Parsons!

 

Indeed, I was the opposite of you though! I was taken over by the Franklin-Christoph pen and I fell in love with it.

 

Also, welcome to the FPN. It's a great place to be, as you can tell already!

 

[drzenitram]

Ha, I thought that I had decided, but then I clicked around on that Franklin-Christoph website and saw the #29 Bellus... Couldn't help myself. Decided to go with the Franklin-Christoph #29 Bellus with a Broad Stub nib. Costs a little more and I'm not sure if it'll write as nice as the Italix Parsons, but... That. pen. is. gorgeous.

[Nashten]

Ha, I thought that I had decided, but then I clicked around on that Franklin-Christoph website and saw the #29 Bellus... Couldn't help myself. Decided to go with the Franklin-Christoph #29 Bellus with a Broad Stub nib. Costs a little more and I'm not sure if it'll write as nice as the Italix Parsons, but... That. pen. is. gorgeous.

 

That's one of the things about fountain pens too. You can have your mind set... then BAM. There's one that catches your fancy.

 

I agree that their Model 29 is a striking pen. If they made more Radiant Reds...

[thedeacon]

Ha, I thought that I had decided, but then I clicked around on that Franklin-Christoph website and saw the #29 Bellus... Couldn't help myself. Decided to go with the Franklin-Christoph #29 Bellus with a Broad Stub nib. Costs a little more and I'm not sure if it'll write as nice as the Italix Parsons, but... That. pen. is. gorgeous.

I hate to do it, but I'm adding to it. FC is redesigning the 29. One of my favorite pens. Apparently there are a couple minor (and when I say minor I mean very minor) design issues with the magnetic cap. FC is not happy with these small issues. I'm not sure what they are. I have never had a problem with mine. I love it, and will endorse it wholeheartedly! If anything, I think this speaks to FC's commitment to overall quality control. This is just FYI, in no way meant to influence your decision. You can always email Scott at FC. They are very honest and quick to respond.

 

 

That's one of the things about fountain pens too. You can have your mind set... then BAM. There's one that catches your fancy.

 

I agree that their Model 29 is a striking pen. If they made more Radiant Reds...

I missed the Radiant Red as well. BUT, fear not! FC is considering releasing the model 27 Collegia in Radiant Red. There is rumor that they will release the redesigned 29 in Radiant Red. It's only rumor, but don't give up yet, there's still hope!

[Bwassung]

jeeze, looking at that FC 29 I think one with a gold nib might be my next purchase.

 

really heavy though, how is the weight distributed?

[swanjun]

I'm seriously considering a FC #27 with a broad italic, but I am torn. Get the steel and get it sooner or spring for gold and wait a few months to save up?

[seacritasianman]

I'd like to kind of throw a curveball and suggest a Dilli from Fountain Pen Revolution (no affiliation). They can be ordered with a stub (albeit a fine stub) and it writes very well and with good flow. It's also a piston filler, another plus!