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I was wondering if anyone knew what the correct color ink is to write a thank you to a Japanese family. The note will accompany a small gift. In the States, I'd stick with black, but I'm not sure about Japan. Thank you!

Hi everyone, Here's a question for all those of you who use your fountain pens for note-talking (especially for classes). How do you organize your notes? What colors do you use? How do you control yourself from going crazy with the colors?! I used to use black, red, blue, orange, only for taking notes until last semester. I used these colors to organize headings, important theorems, remarks and general text. However, I have recently, uhm, spent a bunch of money on new pens and lots of inks. So now I am thrown off my game. This is going to sound silly, but I wanted to make the use of color meaningful, but I am not sure how to do this with so many colors! How do you use color in a way that helps you study/remember later? Thanks!

I'm a high school student who has just recently gotten in to fountain pens. I first got a Safari F, which was nice, but I then upgraded to a TWSBI 580 in F, which is so much better. I really prefer the thinner line that I get from the TWSBI. I've been using Kon-peki after getting a bottle of it, it's absolutely wonderful. Anyway, on to my question. I've heard really good things about the 2000 and the Falcon, and I'm looking for a pen in that price range. From other questions like this the 2k seems to be more recommended, but when I checked on the Goulet's site, even the EF 2k nib is larger than the TWSBI's F, which is a bit concerning for me. I think the semi-flex of the Falcon is really neat and I also think that it looks really really nice. So which would you recommend more highly to me? I'm also absolutely open to any other suggestions for pens for my purpose. (I have heard about the VP, but I'm not that keen on the retractable nib, I don't like the aesthetic as much). EDIT: I will also be using this pen for some light journaling and handwriting practice, if that makes any difference.

I saw this the other day I thought I would share it with all my fountain pen friends... http://cfptommiller.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-power-of-handwritten-note.html Here are some tips to remember when sending a handwritten note: Use a plain, non-standard sized white envelope. Using a traditional envelope will make your note look too much like a bill or other junk correspondence. Try to find cards and envelopes that are sized like birthday cards or greeting cards that you would find in a card store.Handwrite the addresses on the envelope. This goes without saying, but typing the address and using a pre-made return label do not convey a personal touch.Put an actual stamp on the envelope for postage. Please do not use a postage machine to stamp the envelope. Go buy a book of stamps and do it right!Write everything in blue ink. Studies have shown that writing in blue ink is preferable.Keep your message short. The point is to make the prospect, client, or center of influence feel special. Keep it short and simple, with little or no mention of business. Express gratitude, appreciation, or encouragement instead of the usual utilitarian purpose behind most correspondence.Make sure your handwriting is legible. Don't rush your writing to the point you appear sloppy and dysfunctional. Give the impression that you took your time to write them a nice note.

I am considering getting into the fountain pen hobby, and I am wondering how long bottled ink lasts. Specifically, to be used for primarily school notes and homework, with a fine or extra fine lamy nib (if that makes a difference). How many milliliters of ink do you guys usually go though with schoolwork? I realize that there are a lot of variables at play here, but a rough estimate would be very helpful to me. Thanks

Would A5 or semi-B5 paper be better for note taking? I checked out the Kokuyo Systemic refillable notebook cover and they seem really great. But they only come in 2 sizes. I feel like it would be good to get the A5 size because there are more notebooks in that size available, whereas the semi-B5 notebooks are a bit more difficult to find. But, I feel like I would go through A5 notebooks really fast. I want the Systemic because I would be able to fit 3 notebooks in it and I wouldn't have to really worry about anything getting torn up too bad, but if there is a similar product, please share!

Still on my quest for finding the awesome workhorse...a pretty horse who can do tricks too hehe. I always look for a pen that you can get fine lines when needed (usually by writing with it 'upside down'), as this comes in handy for writing small letters, writing on cheap paper, or just sketching. The Snorkel has captivated my eye because it has this beautiful upturned conical nib, and has a interesting filling system. However, when it comes to recommended pens for workhorse candidates, I see many responses being the Lamy 2000, Namiki Falcon, Lamy Safari, etc. I've had these before, and I have not been impressed. My question is, do you think the Snorkel would be a good workhorse for note-taking and sketching? Why or why not?

In the process of browsing the various threads of FPN, I have noticed that there are quite a few active users who are teachers. What are your favorite teaching pens, and what purpose do they each serve? In my middle school math classes I regularly use: - Pilot Frixion 0.5 - Blue Black is my favorite, but I like having a variety of colors to use under the document camera. Explaining a concept can be so much clearer when I have different colors for different parts and have the ability to erase my mistakes cleanly. http://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-FriXion-Ball-Knock-Retractable-Gel-Ink-Pen-0.5-mm-Blue-Black/pd/6798 - Zebra Sharbo LT3 - This multi pen stays with me everywhere I go. As a math teacher I need to have both a pencil and a pen with me at all times. This one gives clean crisp lines in a compact package. Plus, unlike most mechanical pencils, the feed tube on this retracts completely. http://www.jetpens.com/Zebra-Sharbo-X-LT3-Pen-Body-Component-Cobalt-Blue/pd/9828 - Lamy Safari EF - My first non-disposable fountain pen is my go-to grader. The extra fine nib allows me to write in corrections and comments even when the kids forget to skip lines. The inconspicuous colors don't attract sticky fingers and the low cost (as far as fountain pens go) won't turn me into a rage monster if the pen walks away from my desk. http://www.jetpens.com/Lamy-Safari-Fountain-Pen-Extra-Fine-Nib-Charcoal-Black-Body-Black-Clip/pd/1937 Teachers, what are your go-to pens? Thanks, Mr. Gould