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Guys I am recently saving up for a Big pen purchase. I have thought about an Aurora Optima blue auroloide. But I have read some horror stories of the pen cracking. As I am a teenager, I dont have much funds so I dont want to spend on repairs. Plus, it is a tedious process to ship pens from the UAE. So I want to know if that was a problem in their early auroloide pens or if this has been happening recently as well. Thanks and regards, Adit

Friday was a bad day for me. My Model Number 32 spontaneously developed a long crack. Fortunately, there was no leakage onto anything as ithe crack is in the part of the barrel which the cap covers, so all the ink stayed contained under the cap. I couldn't figure out why this occurred, given that the pen was capped, in a soft leather case in a zippered pocket in a leather bag to which nothing had happened, and there was no sign of damage to anything. The cap was screwed on and the pen is unblemished in every way. Literally, there was no way for the pen to have been damaged from outside as the cap and everything else was in order. The pen even still wrote, wonderfully. But then I remembered I have a Model Number 221 which had developed a simialer crack, but in its cap. Both cracks are longitudinal, are clean and in both cases no force was put on the pens prior to the cracks appearing. I researched this situation and it appears that this is unfortunately a recurring problem with the "contemporary" designs of that era and the resin being proprietary can only be repaired by Montblanc, if it can be repaired. And so, I now have a fine pen with a wonderful nib that I cannot use. The other one with the cracked cap is still quite useable as the crack appears stable and being in a cap, does not have ink inside it to leak out. So, if anyone has any suggestions, I welcome them. I have thought of contacting Montblanc, but the Model Number 32 was made for only a couple of years, with production having ended over 50 years ago and alas, it wasn't and isn't an expensive pen and so even if it could be repaired, the cost might excede it value.

I know it is not the most popular way to carry a fountain pen (especially in the opinions of many on this forum), but I like to carry my fountain pens in my front pocket. When I was just carrying a Lamy Safari or Noodler's Nib Creeper I didn't really think twice about it - it was next to my phone in my pocket so it always stayed upright and the cap never came off. However, I've recently purchased a Lamy 2000 and while I am not afraid of scratches (I bought it used) I am afraid of breaking it - especially in the section area since it is pre-2009 when they changed the design to include more metal and reduce stress cracking. I only carry one pen at a time as I'm rarely compelled to use multiple colors in one day. Does anyone have a recommendation for a front-pocket carry sleeve or if it is really necessary or worth the cost? Like I said earlier, I am not concerned with scratches, but I am concerned about cracks and things that will affect the function of the pen.

So, was just re-assembling my TWSBI 580AL this afternoon after pulling it down for a good cleaning between inks, and at about 3/4 seated, the threaded portion separated cleanly from the rest of the section. I'm quite familiar with how much torque to put onto parts, and this was nowhere near even "snug," much less over-torqued. I've contacted TWSBI to see about spare parts, this is less than a month of light use old! http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p603/Komitadjie/IMG_20140808_163433_zpsfe3105dc.jpg So, question for you guys: When I get the new section, how do I go about removing my lovely Pendleton BLS nib from this one, and placing it into the new one? Also, how should I go about removing the sheared-off bit of threaded plastic from inside the body without causing additional damage? I'm pondering just being very careful with a dental pick and seeing if I can get it to move. I'll update this as I make progress on the repairs!

I'm thinking about buying a Faber-Castell Ambition (black), but I'm a bit skeptical. Please help if you own one. There seem to be some unclear issues: 1. Does the resin body crack when screwed too tight? This seems to only be a problem with the black version, as the others have metal threads. 2. Does the the cap stop clicking in place? I read a review that said after 2 months the cap wouldn't click to the body 3. Is the grip section uncomfortable? It looks like it is. Also, how would it compare to a TWSBI 580/ Classic? Help is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!