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I am trying to think a little ahead, here, and get an idea of a goal I want to start shooting for. I am thinking of getting my next fountain pen in the $50-$100 range in the next several months. Currently I own a Pilot Metro (F), Pilot 78G (B ), and a TWSBI Eco (EF). I tend to write small, and generally with about a 50 degree angle to the page. Eventually I would like to own both a VP and a Lamy 2000. So, here's the dilemma: neither the VP with a gold nib, nor the Lamy 2k are in the desired price range right now, so they'll probably be a couple years out. I am both a student, and a full-time employee in a law office. Piston-fillers and a super-easy deployment both have a lot of draw for me. I can get the TWSBI in the States for around the $50-$70 range, depending on model, and I can get that "Special Alloy" VP shipped from Japan for around $90. I have been stalking reviews on both for months now, but I am having a really hard time picking one over the other. It's also nice to think I can swap out nib units for either if I want to switch (in the case of both) or upgrade (in the case of the VP). Do any of you have experience with both? Preferences for one over the other (and why)? The pen will be used as my edc, the daily go-to for notes and dictation in the office, light notes for school, and my future "Ink Tests for the Common Office" reviews. Right now, my Eco with the EF nib is lasting between one and two weeks per fill, and I am not bothered by having to fill more often. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I am new to the forum!! I have a couple of fine nib Pilot VP's I recently purchased in last few months.... I LOVE them! I have had a couple of problems though. The con-50 converts are hard to grip and pull out to add ink (I do not clean every time i fill). I do not clean weekly as maybe I should, but these nibs/ink systems in the VP's are super hard to clean! Last night, I just could not get the converter out, the tiny tip is hard to grip even though I have tiny fingers! When I grabbed hold and pulled straight out, the converter simply came apart! The screw-on end piece came off while the rest was still stuck in pen.... I had to get pilers to get it out! Why are these so hard to get out of the pen? Is this normal? I like to put ink in and refill 3-4 times (I usually fill up 2 times a week). Am I just not cleaning often enough? If so, is there an easy way to clean these pens, get the ink out and dry??? I love these pens, but have been having a tough time with them. I am only using Pilot ink in these. I wanted to use Noodlers but ink made the nib super scratchy... Pilot inks work best! Thanks, Mary

Good afternoon, I hope everyone is doing well. I am writing to ask for advice, personal experience, and opinions regarding Pilot's VP in Fine and Medium. I am currently in the market for a VP (likely the Blue Carbonesque) and I cannot decide on a Fine or Medium nib. I do not have access to a pen shop to test out nibs so I am asking for your help in deciding. Below is a list of a few of my favorite pens that I currently own and use (maybe you can advise based on what I like/currently use). TWSBI VAC 700- Fine TWSBI Mini- Fine Pilot Metro- Medium Thanks! Sam Knoxville, TN

I have a 1 year old Pilot VP pen which has a loose cap that the pocket clip is mounted on. I contacted Pilot and received return instructions for repair. The cap friction fits, but appears to have some type of cement residue. What type of glue is used to hold these parts together? I don't think super glue would be the best choice. Maybe a contact cement? I prefer not to send it back if possible. Thanks

A friend in Japan sent me a sheet of 50th anniversary Shinkansen or "Bullet Train" stamps. Thought the Shinkansen and Pilot Decimo share a resemblance.

If given the opportunity, would you trade a current Parker Duofold Intl. for either a Lamy 2000, or Pilot VP? I rarely use the Duofold. It is a good writer, but I am always concerned about dropping it or scratching it. When I bought it in 1996, I was a desk jockey. Now I work in the furniture trades, repairing and finishing wood. My work environment is not as pristine as my office was. Many times I need to take notes for a phone call while I am in the middle of staining wood. I always wear nitrile gloves, but still run the risk of mishandling my pen after removing the gloves. I also do not like the threaded cap of the Duofold. Currently, I carry my Lamy Safari, or Pilot Mertopolitan. Thanks for any input.

I have a black carbonesque Pilot VP with rhodium accents. It's beautiful. And next to it, my Pilot Dr. Grip pencil looks dreadful. Anybody know of a pencil that would come close to matching? I want one with a fat body like the VP, and from what I can tell Pilot doesn't make a VP pencil. Thanks.