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Less than glowing Lamy Al-Star review


bphollin

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Like so many before me, this is a first review of a first fountain pen. Looks like JFT beat me to the punch for today’s Al-Star review, but I have a somewhat different perspective. Mine is the silver (not lilac) Lamy Al-Star with extra-fine nib. After three weeks of use, I can’t say that I’m completely sold on the Al-Star. The pros certainly outweigh the cons, but I’m not convinced I can use this pen as my daily workhorse.

 

I purchased the Al-Star from Floribunda Stationery in Salt Lake City, Utah. I probably could have found a better deal online, but the folks at the shop threw in a converter and let me trade in the “lilac” I originally bought for the true aluminum color (which looks great next to my PowerBook, Doug). I didn’t notice the difference in color under fluorescent light, but sure did in natural light.

 

The Al-Star is certainly nicer than the Parker Reflex I was using before. It has shown me that I DO like writing with fountain pens and am willing to pony up for something nicer that will last me for years to come. As others have noted, it is a capable inexpensive pen rather than a "cheap" pen.

 

Design

I bought the Al-Star over a Safari because I like the color, which may have been a mistake. The aluminum body is far too soft to put up with my abuse. The pen has a number of noticeable dings, scratches, and abrasions, especially on the cap and on the bottom of the barrel by the “Y” of the LAMY logo. The plastic coating of the clip is already chipping away. This is the most disappointing part of the pen! I like the way it writes but hate the way it has held up so poorly in only three weeks of use. I can’t imagine this pen lasting for years as my daily writer...

 

I do like the weight of the pen when I write with it posted. I don’t seem to notice the finger grips that others have found to be so uncomfortable. I like the big ugly clip, especially since pens have a way of falling out of my pockets.

 

Nib and Filling System

This is an extra-fine steel nib. I must have purchased a good one, as the nib wrote fine right off the bat. I didn’t need to break it in with a brown bag or flush it with soapy water as others have recommended doing. I understand that “fine” and “extra-fine” are relative terms from pen brand to pen brand. I would compare my writing output with the extra-fine to that of a Pilot G-2 07mm gel pen.

 

I like the way the Lamy writes over the Parker Reflex and the Waterman Phileas (my only other fountain pen points of reference). Now that I’m used to writing with the Al-Star, the Reflex feels too scratchy (toothy?) to use! The Phileas that I borrowed was too wet and too smooth for my tastes, perhaps because it was a medium and I prefer a fine or extra-fine nib. I like that the Al-Star nib is stiff. It’s gone through receipts and multi-page forms just fine. I’ve written with it for hours and haven’t noticed any fatigue.

 

As others have noted, the nib tends to collect ink between the tines.

 

Ink

I’ve used three different inks with this pen. First was the Lamy cartridge of blue ink that came in the box. It must have been fairly unremarkable because I can’t remember too much about it other than it lasted me around four days. I next loaded it with Private Reserve Avacado [sic], which wrote very dry and yet was quite prone to smearing, in my opinion. I probably won’t be using this ink with this pen on a regular basis. I’m now using blue Sheaffer Skrip which has gone through three fill-ups and seems to be doing fine.

 

The converter doesn’t seem to last too long in my experience, but I’ve been doing an awful lot of writing lately.

 

Paper

I can’t say that I’m a paper snob (yet). My complaints seem to have more to do with the ink and paper rather than with the Lamy and paper. The Moleskine journal I used for a writing class has been notoriously bad about smearing with the Pilot G-2 and now with the Lamy. The PR Avacado was especially bad in it. I have an extra-large Cahier which holds the ink better and dries faster than the standard black notebooks.

 

I haven’t noticed any feathering on the Moleskine paper or on many of the other papers I use. The Al-Star writes well on an Ampad Gold Fibre Planning Pad, a Mead Five-Star composition book, and various qualities of nondescript laser printer paper. I’ve only noticed feathering on the cheapo filler paper I got on sale for thirty cents, and there’s not too much fuss doing the sudoku and crossword puzzle in the newspaper.

 

Conclusion and Overall Impressions

In general I like the way my Lamy Al-Star extra-fine writes. My biggest complaint is that the aluminum body is too soft and has picked up far too many nicks and dings in three weeks of use. I will probably keep this pen around and use it to grade student papers in the Fall, perhaps with the PR Avacado ink. If I knew three weeks ago what I know now, I would have opted for a less expensive plastic Lamy Safari that would have delivered the same writing experience and been less susceptible to my abuse.

 

--- End of review and shameless plug for advice ---

 

I’d appreciate any advice or recommendations for a next pen from you more seasoned FPN members. I’ve been eyeing the Lamy Studio because I prefer a nice, hefty pen and have come to enjoy the way the Al-Star writes. On the other hand, if the Studio is fundamentally the same as a Safari/Al-Star/Vista only in a fancier body, why not branch out? I’m starting to write my masters thesis, which means I’m willing to treat myself (on a grad student budget; $250 at the absolute maximum) to a pen that will get me through hours of writing at a time. Ideally it would have some heft to it and would have a large ink capacity. I’m often in the field, so it would need to play nice with Noodler’s Bulletproof ink. It would need to be able to handle abuse. I’m much more interested in function over form and I do prefer a minimalist style. And, of course, I’m looking for this to be the last pen I buy for a long time... Am I looking for the Lamy 2000? A Pelikan? A vintage pen (although I don’t like the look of the Parker 51)? Any and all feedback is welcome and appreciated!

 

Brandon

 

Edit: Added pictures

 

post-16154-1215545773_thumb.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

post-16154-1215545803_thumb.jpg

 

Edited by bphollin
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If you can deal with the little nubs (some folks call them "ears") on the 2000, it may be your pen. I looked at one last week and loved everything but those little nubs which happen to hit exactly where my thumb and forefinger grip. They're very small and I might have adjusted eventually. Or I might have been highly annoyed at spending B&M price for a pen that I can't possibly sell on-line for the same.

 

I may try one if I ever notice a used one up for sale. The capacity looks good and it certainly seems like a sturdy pen. It's heavier than the Al-Star but not particularly heavy. I prefer that. Were it not for the nubs, it would have been ideal because the barrel design allows for virtually any grip otherwise.

KCat
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Venerable are letters, infinitely brave, forlorn, and lost. V. Woolf, Jacob's Room

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If your looking for a modern pen that holds a bunch of ink (relatively speaking), is comfortable, and will write nicely (in my experience) with the Noodlers Bulletproof line I'd suggest going for a Pelikan M600. It's a nice size to hold onto, holds a decent amount of ink. If you get it in a fine or extra-fine you'll be writing lots of pages no problem. That would be on the high side of your budget though. I believe martiniauctions has them going for between 200-250 right now.

 

On the middle end I'd say a Lamy 2000 would be nice. You can get them from Pam Braun @oscarbraunpens.com Good service, happy customer, no affiliation needed.

 

I wouldn't knock the studio either though. If you go with a 14k nibbed version there is a definite difference in the nibs.

 

Vintage has it's perks too though. A nice restored plunger filling sheaffer balance would suite you well, as well as Parker Vacumatic. I purchased my Vac from Isaacson (no affiliation) for a little over 200 and it was well worth it. The pen is gorgeous, writes like a dream and holds a ton of ink. Right now it has Noodlers Zhivago in it and has no flow problems.

 

I'd suggest if your looking at vintage at least e-mail David Isaacson and look through his site (www.(bleep).com) He has more than just Parker Vacs and can probably help you in the right direction.

 

IF and only IF your asking for what I'd do, I'd go vintage. Light pens that have been proven to work and come from the golden age of writing are extremely nice. Some of my best pens are vintage ones. Heck I even have a third tier University pen that puts some of my moderns to shame in the writing experience side of things.

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If the only fault you can find with the Al-Star is its material, then by all means go with a Safari or Vista; they're the same in plastic. Unfortunately that's all the advice I can give you; I'm still really green as far as fountain pens go...

 

On another note, am I the only one here who has and uses an Al-Star that still doesn't have a single scratch or dent on it? :unsure: :blink: Granted, I've only had it for a month, and haven't been using it as much as I'd like, but still...

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I can only speak to the 2000, which I love. Since you have a local shop carrying Lamy, do try before you buy to see if the 'ears' bother you, though. The capacity is quite substantial, the material won't show wear much, and the nib is very very nice. Mine is an extra fine, and others here will tell you that the 2000 nibs are listed about a size to a size and a half smaller than how they seem to actually write. My experience with FPs is limited to this one, so I can neither independently confirm nor deny that. Seems about right in comparison to rollerball widths, though.

 

As far as heft goes, however, the 2000 is pretty light. Solid, but light. I like that, you might not. I've tried posting the cap a couple of times and the balance felt thrown way off to me, so I don't do it. I've also read that others have posted for a while only to have the cap eventually refuse to post any longer after a few weeks. If you find you do want more heft and posting works for you, this might be an issue. To me, the 2000 feels so natural unposted that posting was really just an experiment.

 

If you're looking for minimalist styling and being able to handle abuse, I'd say look no further. I don't hesitate to take my 2000 to the beach or throw it in my pocket with cell phone, keys and coins. It probably has some surface scratches here and there, but the finish hides them well enough that I don't notice them. [Takes a close look at the surface under desk lamp] Yeah, I can see a few little nicks if I squint. Some on the clip are a little more visible, but you'd still have to be looking for them. Another thing to consider is that if what you're studying is at all dirty, it seems to me that screw-on caps are just asking for trouble - too many little crevices in the threads where grit can get lodged.

 

Pelikans look like nice pens and I don't doubt their reputation of quality a bit, but to me they look too delicate for field work, even without knowing what you're studying. Caveat: That impression is based on absolutely nothing but Internet photos. No reviews I've read of any M-series Pelikan has mentioned anything either way about durability. I'd be happy to hear different.

 

That's my $0.02. Good luck, and nice review of the Al-Star. It's great to hear different points of view.

 

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Your findings are precisely why I steered clear of the Al-Star and went with a Vista. I really like the Vista, and find it a good workhorse pen. Plus, if you're into greater capacity, you can take a Vista and convert it to an eyedropper filler (replace the body with a Vista rollerball body and you're all set!).

 

The Lamy 2000 (L2K) is a great pen, but quality control at Lamy has been lacking a bit with the L2K, as some people have reported problems. When it works, it's great. The only notable drawback I can see, IMHO, is that the nib sizes run large. If you're into small lines, you definitely want an XF--it'll write more like an MF (Medium Fine).

 

If you want some thing more rugged but still minimalist, why not go with a Rotring 600?

 

Btw, I wrote a shootout comparison review of the 600 vs. Vista, if you're interested.

[MYU's Pen Review Corner] | "The Common Ground" -- Jeffrey Small

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This is great feedback! Thanks for that, all. I'd feel terrible if I ruined a vintage Shaeffer or Parker--maybe that will be the pen that writes a dissertation :headsmack:?! Right now I'm leaning toward the L2K based on recommendations here and in other reviews and threads. I'm certainly still open to other suggestions and I'll gladly check out the Rotring shoot-out. Unfortunately the local shop doesn't carry the 2000 (and if they did, I'd imagine it would sell at full MSRP) so I can't test drive the "ears" that have caused so much concern...

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  Stevopedia said:
If the only fault you can find with the Al-Star is its material, then by all means go with a Safari or Vista; they're the same in plastic. Unfortunately that's all the advice I can give you; I'm still really green as far as fountain pens go...

 

On another note, am I the only one here who has and uses an Al-Star that still doesn't have a single scratch or dent on it? :unsure: :blink: Granted, I've only had it for a month, and haven't been using it as much as I'd like, but still...

 

I have only had mine a week or so - so I really shouldn't respond. But I'm pretty abusive with certain pens (my VPs must hate me but they still look great) and so far no dings, scratches, etc. However, I'm housebound for the most so I'm not exactly tossing this in a briefcase and banging it around every day.

KCat
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  bphollin said:
Conclusion and Overall Impressions

In general I like the way my Lamy Al-Star extra-fine writes. My biggest complaint is that the aluminum body is too soft and has picked up far too many nicks and dings in three weeks of use. I will probably keep this pen around and use it to grade student papers in the Fall, perhaps with the PR Avacado ink. If I knew three weeks ago what I know now, I would have opted for a less expensive plastic Lamy Safari that would have delivered the same writing experience and been less susceptible to my abuse.

 

Hello,

 

I'm sorry to hear you have problem with yours. Small question what do you do to yours? I had mine for close to 3 months now and except for a small ding on the cap, caused by a 4 feet high fall on ceramic, the finish is still spendid with no scratches.

 

  penguinmaster said:
If your looking for a modern pen that holds a bunch of ink (relatively speaking), is comfortable, and will write nicely (in my experience) with the Noodlers Bulletproof line I'd suggest going for a Pelikan M600. It's a nice size to hold onto, holds a decent amount of ink. If you get it in a fine or extra-fine you'll be writing lots of pages no problem. That would be on the high side of your budget though. I believe martiniauctions has them going for between 200-250 right now.

 

On the middle end I'd say a Lamy 2000 would be nice. You can get them from Pam Braun @oscarbraunpens.com Good service, happy customer, no affiliation needed.

 

I second the Lamy 2000 suggestion but if you scratches and ding your AL-start that easily I'm not sure getting a Pelikan would be a good idea...

 

 

  Stevopedia said:
If the only fault you can find with the Al-Star is its material, then by all means go with a Safari or Vista; they're the same in plastic. Unfortunately that's all the advice I can give you; I'm still really green as far as fountain pens go...

 

On another note, am I the only one here who has and uses an Al-Star that still doesn't have a single scratch or dent on it? :unsure: :blink: Granted, I've only had it for a month, and haven't been using it as much as I'd like, but still...

 

But aren't both the Safari and the Vista much lighter than the AL-star?

 

Lamy AL-star - 1.1 (Omas Violet)

Nakaya Celluloid Mottishaw F Flex (PR Arabian Rose)

Omas Bologna - M (Noodler's Golden Brown)

Pelikan M620 Grand Place - Binder XF/XXF Flex (Noodler's Navajo Turquoise)

Stipula 22 - 0.9 (Waterman Florida Blue)

Waterman Patrician - M (Waterman Florida Blue)

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Ok I am going to add a bit of a curve ball here but I would suggest that you look at the Cleo Skribent Chiffre 2000. The one I was given for my birthday has quickly become one of my workhorse pens. It has a very good ink capacity a brushed silver finish that shows only one mark after kicking around for over a month. The mark cam as the clip was obviously pushed back and forth at some point and it left a small mark. The pen writes with a nice medium flow, no skipping, no starting problems and I daresay would look good next to a Mac.

 

It is not that expensive so you might want to consider it as well

 

Philip

www.scriptusinc.com



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  JFT said:
I'm sorry to hear you have problem with yours. Small question what do you do to yours? I had mine for close to 3 months now and except for a small ding on the cap, caused by a 4 feet high fall on ceramic, the finish is still spendid with no scratches.

 

It did go on a backcountry trip in the rugged redrock country of southern Utah and down the San Juan River on a river trip, but was mostly tucked inside my field journal or backpack for most of the duration. I actually noticed the dinging and scratching picking up more once I started hitting the library after I got back. Full contact research, I suppose... It is a pocket pen, so I guess the culprit is my keys...?

 

  JFT said:
I second the Lamy 2000 suggestion but if you scratches and ding your AL-start that easily I'm not sure getting a Pelikan would be a good idea...

 

Good to know. Thanks for the heads-up!

 

  Stevopedia said:
But aren't both the Safari and the Vista much lighter than the AL-star?

My thoughts, too. I'm afraid the Vista would get scratched up pretty badly, too... maybe even cracked. I know clear plastic can tend to be brittle or prone to show cracking/stress lines.

 

  Seville said:
...I would suggest that you look at the Cleo Skribent Chiffre 2000. The one I was given for my birthday has quickly become one of my workhorse pens. It has a very good ink capacity a brushed silver finish that shows only one mark after kicking around for over a month...

 

ooooh....shiiiiny... Looks like it might be a fingerprint magnet, at least for me. I guess based on what I wrote above to JFT, I'm pretty rough on my pens, or at least am looking for an active-bodied pen to keep up with my less than careful treatment. Isn't a pen a tool, after all? When you say "kicking around, how kicking is kicking? I'd hate to see a big ol' scratch on one of those suckers...

 

 

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  Stevopedia said:
On another note, am I the only one here who has and uses an Al-Star that still doesn't have a single scratch or dent on it? :unsure: :blink: Granted, I've only had it for a month, and haven't been using it as much as I'd like, but still...

 

I have three, and they're all completely unscathed. When I read about people with scratched and dented AL-stars I think, wow, some people must be really rough with their pens. My pens get much use but no abuse.

 

Doug

 

P.S. I have a Vista also, but don't think of it as more hardy than the AL-star. I'm thinking clear plastic would show scratches pretty quickly. I think a Safari in charcoal (or whatever the name of the rough textured black plastic) would be best.

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Keys! That's got to be it. Yeah, definitely never put a prized pen in a pocket with other metal objects, unless you like a dimpled patina. :lol:

 

I'm glad to hear a few testimonies of people having unscratched and undented Al-Stars that they use. I'm thinking that those who have reported having noticeable signs of use were probably just expecting the aluminum bodies to hold up better and exposed them to rough conditions.

[MYU's Pen Review Corner] | "The Common Ground" -- Jeffrey Small

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  HDoug said:
When I read about people with scratched and dented AL-stars I think, wow, some people must be really rough with their pens.

 

One of my AL-Stars has its fair share of scratches and abrasions, and a major dent in the cap -- but then again, it's been my main (and only) pen for 5 years at university, and beyond; and the dent was made when my bag was caught in a closing subway door, so I guess that's alright...

 

I prefer to think of these as marks of a long and productive pen-life, rather than as faults.

 

  Quote
It is a pocket pen, so I guess the culprit is my keys...?

 

Very probably, yes. Keys will scratch just about anything...

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I have the same pen, the same color, and I agree it scratches and dings pretty fast. No abuse, here, but hey, a small fall happens sometimes. ABS many be better after all.

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After taking up your advice and scanning the boards, I think I'm going to order a Pelikan 215 (blue/black) with an XF nib from Richard Binder. It doesn't appear to be much different than the 600 other than the nib and a slight size difference (and price!). A few months ago I was eyeing the 2000, but the looks just aren't doing anything for me now. Of COURSE I'll be getting a pen case for the Pel and NOT let it play with my keys and spare change... I think you all have infected me, because I'm already lusting after an 800 and 625...

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These birds really are social so make sure you get a pen case for more than one ;)

Lamy AL-star - 1.1 (Omas Violet)

Nakaya Celluloid Mottishaw F Flex (PR Arabian Rose)

Omas Bologna - M (Noodler's Golden Brown)

Pelikan M620 Grand Place - Binder XF/XXF Flex (Noodler's Navajo Turquoise)

Stipula 22 - 0.9 (Waterman Florida Blue)

Waterman Patrician - M (Waterman Florida Blue)

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  HDoug said:
I have a Vista also, but don't think of it as more hardy than the AL-star. I'm thinking clear plastic would show scratches pretty quickly. I think a Safari in charcoal (or whatever the name of the rough textured black plastic) would be best.

 

I agree w/ HDoug. Don't get me wrong, I love the Vista, but it seems like the Safari is made w/ sturdier plastic. The clear plastic probably wouldn't break considering the light to moderate abuse I put mine though, but if looks are what you want, go with the darker matte finished Safari.

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Brandon, reading your comments through the thread, it seems as though you are conflicted about wanting something tough that you can throw in your pocket, and something a bit more refined, hence the reference to the Pel 200. It may be that you hang on to your L-allstar and just let it become more and more beat up....since you already like the functionality, and then have what amounts to a "desk pen" to use at home.

 

OR, you could look at the Japanese stainless short/long pens. Pilot, Platinum and Sailor all made various models through the 70's, most with very fine lines, smooth nibs and adequate ink capacity. You could stick one of these into your pocket with keys and all you'd ever get was some minor scratching [which you could buff out with an eraser if you were overcome by OCD] These are quite reasonable, well within your budget and very tough/reliable. I've got one that was closed in a door and bashed about quite dreadfully, but it still writes a smooth fine line. MYU did reviews on these recently, and he might add an suggestion to two. I'd look at Kamakura pens and Tokyo Russ as sellers on the Bay. There are others, but these two are the best.

 

Just a thought.

 

Jim

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  bphollin said:
After taking up your advice and scanning the boards, I think I'm going to order a Pelikan 215 (blue/black) with an XF nib from Richard Binder. It doesn't appear to be much different than the 600 other than the nib and a slight size difference (and price!). A few months ago I was eyeing the 2000, but the looks just aren't doing anything for me now. Of COURSE I'll be getting a pen case for the Pel and NOT let it play with my keys and spare change... I think you all have infected me, because I'm already lusting after an 800 and 625...

 

late reply... anyway, I ended up ordering an M215 myself after trying a friend's one. You'll really need a pen case, that's mandatory, Pelikans are dependable writers (I still write with my unrestored M140, 60 years old) but the finish is magnific and glossy but prone to damage if abused. Ink capacity is good and the piston filler a dream. Nib is smooth and consistent, a true writer. If properly cased when not writing, judging from the M140 I'm looking at now, I suppose those Pelikan pens will easily outlast me.

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      UPDATE - FIXED NOW Trying to send a pen friend a reply to a message, keep getting an error message to say I don't have access. Anyone any ideas? (tried logging our and back in to no avail)
    • Dr.R 2 Nov 16:58
      Raina’s
    • fireant 2 Nov 1:36
      Fine-have you had a nibmeister look at it?
    • carlos.q 29 Oct 15:19
      @FineFinerFinest: have you seen this thread? https://www.fountainpennetwor...nging-pelikan-nibs/#comments
    • FineFinerFinest 24 Oct 8:52
      No replies required to my complaints about the Pelikan. A friend came to the rescue with some very magnification equipment - with the images thrown to a latge high res screen. Technology is a wonderful thing. Thanks to Mercian for the reply. I had been using the same paper & ink for sometime when the "singing" started. I have a theory but no proof that nibs get damaged when capping the pen. 👍
    • Mercian 22 Oct 22:28
      @FineFinerFinest: sometimes nib-'singing' can be lessened - or even cured - by changing the ink that one is putting through the pen, or the paper that one is using. N.b. *sometimes*. Good luck
    • Bluetaco 22 Oct 22:04
      howdy
    • FineFinerFinest 21 Oct 5:23
      I'm not expecting any replies to my question about the singing Pelikan nib. It seems, from reading the background, that I am not alone. It's a nice pen. It's such a pity Pelikan can't make decent nibs. I have occasionally met users who tell me how wonderful their Pelikan nib is. I've spent enough money to know that not everyone has this experience. I've worked on nibs occasionally over forty years with great success. This one has me beaten. I won't be buying any more Pelikan pens. 👎
    • FineFinerFinest 21 Oct 4:27
      I've had a Pelikan M805 for a couple of years now and cannot get the nib to write without singing. I've worked on dozens of nibs with great success. Ny suggestion about what's going wrong? 😑
    • Bhakt 12 Oct 5:45
      Any feedback in 100th anniversary Mont Blanc green pens?
    • Glens pens 8 Oct 15:08
      @jordierocks94 i happen to have platinum preppy that has wrote like (bleep) since i bought it my second pen....is that something you would wish to practice on?
    • jordierocks94 4 Oct 6:26
      Hello all - New here. My Art studies have spilled me into the ft pen world where I am happily submerged and floating! I'm looking to repair some cheap pens that are starving for ink yet filled, and eventually get new nibs; and development of repair skills (an even longer learning curve than my art studies - lol). Every hobby needs a hobby, eh ...
    • The_Beginner 18 Sept 23:35
      horse notebooks if you search the title should still appear though it wont show you in your proflie
    • Jayme Brener 16 Sept 22:21
      Hi, guys. I wonder if somebody knows who manufactured the Coro fountain pens.
    • TheHorseNotebooks 16 Sept 13:11
      Hello, it's been ages for me since I was here last time. I had a post (http://www.fountainpennetwork...-notebooks/?view=getnewpost) but I see that it is no longer accessible. Is there anyway to retrieve that one?
    • Refujio Rodriguez 16 Sept 5:39
      I have a match stick simplomatic with a weidlich nib. Does anyone know anything about this pen?
    • The_Beginner 15 Sept 16:11
      dusty yes, glen welcome
    • Glens pens 11 Sept 1:22
      Hello, Im new to FPN I'm so happy to find other foutain penattics. collecting almost one year ,thought I would say hello to everyone.
    • DustyBin 8 Sept 14:34
      I haven't been here for ages... do I take it that private sales are no longer allowed? Also used to be a great place to sell and buy some great pens
    • Sailor Kenshin 1 Sept 12:37
      Lol…
    • JungleJim 1 Sept 1:55
      Perhaps it's like saying Beetlejuice 3 times to get that person to appear, though with @Sailor Kenshin you only have to say it twice?
    • Sailor Kenshin 31 Aug 21:06
      ?
    • Duffy 29 Aug 19:31
      @Sailor Kenshin @Sailor Kenshin
    • Seney724 26 Aug 22:07
    • Diablo 26 Aug 22:05
      Thank you so much, Seney724. I really appreciate your help!
    • Seney724 26 Aug 21:43
      I have no ties or relationship. Just a very happy customer. He is a very experienced Montblanc expert.
    • Seney724 26 Aug 21:42
      I strongly recommend Kirk Speer at https://www.penrealm.com/
    • Diablo 26 Aug 21:35
      @Seney724. The pen was recently disassembled and cleaned, but the nib and feed were not properly inserted into the holder. I'm in Maryland.
    • Diablo 26 Aug 21:32
      @Seney724. The nib section needs to be adjusted properly.
    • Seney724 26 Aug 18:16
      @Diablo. Where are you? What does it need?
    • Diablo 26 Aug 16:58
      Seeking EXPERIENCED, REPUTABLE service/repair for my 149. PLEASE help!!!
    • Penguincollector 19 Aug 19:42
      @Marta Val, reach out to @terim, who runs Peyton Street Pens and is very knowledgeable about Sheaffer pens
    • Marta Val 19 Aug 14:35
      Hello, could someone recommend a reliable venue: on line or brick and mortar in Fairfax, VA or Long Island, NY to purchase the soft parts and a converter to restore my dad's Sheaffer Legacy? please. Thanks a mill.
    • The_Beginner 18 Aug 2:49
      is there a guy who we can message to find a part for us with a given timelimit if so please let me know his name!
    • virtuoso 16 Aug 15:15
      what happene to the new Shaeffer inks?
    • Scribs 14 Aug 17:09
      fatehbajwa, in Writing Instruments, "Fountain Pens + Dip Pens First Stop" ?
    • fatehbajwa 14 Aug 12:17
      Back to FPN after 14 years. First thing I noticed is that I could not see a FS forum. What has changed? 🤔
    • Kika 5 Aug 10:22
      Are there any fountain pen collectors in Qatar?
    • T.D. Rabbit 31 July 18:58
      Ahh okay, thanks!
    • Scribs 29 July 18:51
      @ TDRabbit, even better would be in Creative Expressions area, subform The Write Stuff
    • T.D. Rabbit 29 July 11:40
      Okay, thanks!
    • JungleJim 29 July 0:46
      @T.D. Rabbit Try posting it in the "Chatter Forum". You have to be logged in to see it.
    • T.D. Rabbit 28 July 17:54
      Hello! Is there a thread anywhere 'round here where one can post self-composed poetry? If not, would it be alright if I made one? I searched on google, but to no avail...
    • OldFatDog 26 July 19:41
      I have several Parker Roller Ball & Fiber Tip refills in the original packaging. Where and how do I sell them? The couple that I've opened the ink still flowed when put to paper. Also if a pen would take the foller ball refill then it should take the fiber tip as well? Anyway it's been awhile and I'm want to take my message collection beyond the few pieces that I have... Meaning I don't have a Parker these refills will fit in 🙄
    • RegDiggins 23 July 12:40
      Recently was lucky enough to buy a pristine example of the CF crocodile ball with the gold plating. Then of course I faced the same problem we all have over the years ,of trying to find e refill. Fortunately I discovered one here in the U.K. I wonder if there are other sources which exist in other countries, by the way they were not cheap pen
    • The_Beginner 20 July 20:35
      Hows it going guys i have a code from pen chalet that i wont use for 10% off and it ends aug 31st RC10AUG its 10% off have at it fellas
    • T.D. Rabbit 19 July 9:33
      Somewhat confusing and off-putting ones, as said to me by my very honest friends. I don't have an X account though :<
    • piano 19 July 8:41
      @The Devil Rabbit what kind of? Let’s go to X (twitter) with #inkdoodle #inkdoodleFP
    • Mort639 17 July 1:03
      I have a Conway Stewart Trafalgar set. It was previously owned by actor Russell Crowe and includes a letter from him. Can anyone help me with assessing its value?
    • Sailor Kenshin 15 July 17:41
      There must be a couple of places here to share artworks.
    • T.D. Rabbit 15 July 12:45
      Hullo! I really like making ink doodles, and I'd like to share a few. Anywhere on the site I can do so? Thanks in advance!
    • Sailor Kenshin 6 July 17:58
      Pay It Forward.
    • AndWhoDisguisedAs 6 July 16:59
      where would I post wanting to trade bottle of ink straight up?
    • JungleJim 3 July 16:14
      @Bill Wood-- just look at the message below you that was posted by @PAKMAN. He is a moderator here on the forums.
    • Bill Wood 2 July 14:24
      Just checking on a classified section and where we are with that. Many thanks. Bill
    • PAKMAN 29 June 1:57
      @inky1 The software for the classified stopped working with the forum. So no we don't have a sales section anymore at FPN
    • inky1 28 June 16:49
      I am not sure which is the classifieds section
    • inky1 28 June 16:46
      IIs there a Fountain Pen Sales board anywhere on here?
    • dave c 25 June 19:01
      Hi. Anybody ever heard about a Royal Puck Pen. Very small but good looking.
    • Eppie_Matts 23 June 19:25
      Thanks! I've just ordered some #6's to experiment with.
    • Al-fresco 21 June 12:11
      @Eppie_Matts Shouldn't be a problem - I've just put a Bock #6 Titanium into a La Grande Bellezza section. Went straight in without any problem.
    • Curiousone11 21 June 4:35
      Any recommendations on anyone who specializes in original pen patents?
    • Eppie_Matts 20 June 1:32
      Hi all - I'm new to experimenting with pens and nibs. Can I put a bock 6 on a Pineider? Thanks!
    • penned in 16 June 17:33
      Hi, I'm new to this forum and was wondering where is the best place to sell a Montblanc ballpoint pen? Are ballpoints allowed here? It's a beautiful pen that deserves a great listing. Thanks.
    • ChrisUrbane 9 June 3:16
      I havent logged in here for a while. I have moved and when I try to change my location on my profile, when I go to save it, it sais 'page not found' and that I do not have authority to change that.
    • Dlj 6 June 20:19
      I am looking for someone who can repair a Waterman Preface ballpoint that won’t stay together
    • Penguincollector 30 May 14:59
      I just noticed that the oppsing team of the game I watched last night had a player named Biro in their lineup. He must be part of Marsell the oily magician’s cadre
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