If you could only have one pen

[Hephaestus]

I know. It’s a traumatic question. Here are the criteria:

 

1. It has to be a pen that you like to write with, not just look at.

 

2. Sentimental value does not apply in this survey. I’m only interested in the one pen you like to use best based on its form.

 

3. Specify the nib

 

For the record, I know that there is no one best pen- and that certain pens are better for certain things. But humor me! You only get one pen for letter or journal writing for the rest of your life. What would yours be?

 

Ahem, and no qualifiers. For example- if Pelikan made the m425 the length of an 800, keeping the 400 diameter, and a 0.5mm stub, that would be my ideal pen. But it doesn’t count, as the 425 is too short for me unspotted, and too heavy with the cap.

 

What would you choose?

 

-Ryan

[roisnoir]

Only one?!

What if my mood changes?

 

Oh, alright.

My new Pelikan 320 - it's the right size for my hand, it's lovely, and the nib, when used upside down (their medium is too broad for my taste) has a line like a cursive italic.

 

(As soon as I can bear to be parted from it, I'm going to send it off for a grinding.)

(Or else, I could just buy another nib, but that would make sense.)

[DrPJM1]

Yes, it is a traumatic question.

 

Pelikan 400NN Tortoise with a flexible medium nib.

It's between a 400 and a 600, comfortable posted & unposted, the celluloid is beautiful, the flexible nib is nicely responsive to pressure, and is a pen you know it works all the time, every time.

[Hephaestus]

I suppose I'd choose a M605 in black and silver, with one of Richard's stubs.

 

-Ryan

Edited January 31, 2006 by Hephaestus

[Richard]

Every time this question comes up, my answer is the same. I'd keep this Blue Cedar Vacumatic-filling Parker "51". It has a medium nib that lays down a nice wet line without transmitting any road feel back to my hand, and that's what I like in a general-purpose pen.

 

http://www.richardspens.com/images/collection/zoomed/51_cedar_dj.jpg

[Titivillus]

What would you choose?

 

-Ryan

Clipless Raw Ebonite Mikado with flexy fine nib. It's sooo comfortable to write with and it holds more ink than most pens.

 

I might even say that getting a lacquered or maki-e version is gilding the lily.

 

And I really don't care if anyone says it's not a flexible nib to me it is.

 

 

-Kurt H

[Hephaestus]

Clipless Raw Ebonite Mikado with flexy fine nib. It's sooo comfortable to write with and it holds more ink than most pens.

Now I want one too. Great choice.

 

-Ryan

[Titivillus]

Clipless Raw Ebonite Mikado with flexy fine nib.  It's sooo comfortable to write with and it holds more ink than most pens. 

Now I want one too. Great choice.

 

-Ryan

It's one of two pens that I have inked. And I don't know if it will ever go dry!

 

 

Kurt H

[handlebar]

It would be a toss-up: My Visconti Van Gogh or my Signum Nova. If pressured with torture,i would probably opt for the Visconti.

 

Handlebar

Edited January 31, 2006 by handlebar

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

Omas Princess should do.

 

Dillon

[handlebar]

Hi,

 

Omas Princess should do.

 

Dillon

Glad to hear that Dillon!!!

 

Handlebar

[antoniosz]

Sweetland NY, RHR, Combo FP/BP, semiflex nib 14K nib

I hope to post a photo soon

Edited January 31, 2006 by antoniosz

[Dillo]

Hi,

 

Omas Princess should do.

 

Dillon

Glad to hear that Dillon!!!

 

Handlebar

Hi,

 

Tis not back yet, but I like it a lot.

 

Dillon

[KCkc]

MB 146 with Mottishaw-tuned FINE nib

[sleek_lover]

Estie Dip-less pen with a 2558 nib in a 407 base.

[Gerry]

Hi,

 

Omas Princess should do.

 

Dillon

You mean you'd leave Jessica?

 

I'm shocked...

 

Gerry

Edited January 31, 2006 by Gerry

[JimStrutton]

No contest, Parker "51" Aero with a wet English medium nib filled with Parker Quink Blue/Black ink. Any colour and any cap, this is function we are talking of here!

 

Jim

[chris burton]

My Pelikan 101N...

http://home.earthlink.net/~cburton1278/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/pel1.jpg

[RyanL27]

No question for me either - My sterling/cedar blue 51 Vac with a very smooth, wet medium nib. I'd choose an Aero for longevity, but I just can't seem to find one with a nib like this.

 

Can I keep the pencil too?

 

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/8120/img13383tc.jpg

[Ray]

Parker 51 vac with broad stub nib.

 

Ray