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I was told by a reputable vintage pen shop that posting a cap on a vintage pen, such as long striated pattern Parker Vacumatics, Duofold, etc, makes the cap prone to splitting since it is made of celluloid. They said it is a good practice not to Post A Cap on a vintage pen when using unless there is a nylon other insert that is for that function and it is mounted deeper into the cap. However, a lot of pens don't sit very well in the hand when writing if there's no cap. i have a number of expensive vintage pens that I write with, a lot. What is the solution? Buy a sacrificial cap? *PS: I am not a collector. I own pens for a quality and uique writing experience. So, "writeability" it important to me. Thanks for the help. jim

Hi all, I was wondering if people currently learning or looking to practice a language that isn't their mother tongue would be interested in exchanging letters with people who want to practice that same language? Not only would it be a handy way to improve or maintain your language skills, but it's an excuse to whip out your favourite pens, papers and inks, knowing that the recipient will appreciate them. If you're interested in this, please reply to this thread with: -the languages that you want to practice, and a rough idea of your level (total novice,the level of a lower school student, the level of a high school student, near-fluent, fluent etc) -a little bit about yourself and your interests (so people can find compatible pen-pals) ... I'll start: I'm currently a student of mathematical physics in Nottingham (UK) and my hobbies include cooking, music, sports/fitness and comedy. I'm looking to exchange letters in French (probably the level of a not-very-good high-school student), Spanish (the level of a lower school student) and German (total novice). ... I can't wait to write to some of you, if there's any interest in this. Cheers

Hello, I recently got back in to fountain pens and have been conflicted as to my next fountain pen. My first pen was a crappy jinhao, which was quickly followed by some other unknown Chinese knockoff of a lamy, and then shortly by a borrowed blue-gold waterman expert (it's my mom's. I love writing with it but want my own pen because she'll get mad at me if I damage it because it was really expensive at the time and is no longer available). and before anyone says anything, I personally don't like the more inexpensive Lamys, I don't find them to be comfortable. More recently I have also tried out a rOtring 600 (currently discontinued) which I like, however the lack of a knurled grip on the model I have, the cap, and terrible balance when posted are huge put-offs. I have come down to a somewhat wide list and can't decide on what to get: The Noodler's Konrad (probably one of the ebonite or acrylic ones) The Kaweco Sport (basically any of them, but most likely one of the non-metal ones as they cost less) Any of TWSBI's pens (basically all of TWSBI's pens fit my criteria, however I can't pick one over the other) As you can clearly tell these are relatively inexpensive pens. I am a student right now, which is why these pens are all pretty inexpensive. I want to bring the pen around with me to my classes. I walk between all my classes up and down a 3-story building and it's pretty long. I store my pens more diagonally or horizontally when not in use (when they are in my bag, as my backpack rests at a diagonal angle across my back). I like to be able to post my pens, as it means I don't need to keep track of the cap as I don't like holding the cap in my other hand, however most times I post my fountain pens or someone else's I find it to be either unbalanced or just uncomfortable as the edge of the cap irritates the side of my hand (this is especially the case on the Waterman, where when I post it the edge of the cap digs into my hand slightly). in case it matters, I use purple/violet ink, currently I am using the J. Herbin scented Violet ink (I love this stuff), however I am considering switching to something like Waterman's Tender Purple or some other purple/violet ink (suggestions?) I really like the look and design of the Kaweco, but the use of a converter is a bit of a put-off as I would prefer I be able to fill it once and have it last me a while. I like the look and design of the Noodler's a lot too however I worry it may require fidgeting with which is something I really would rather not do (and if I don't like the flex nib I could always replace it with some other nib, but then I need to do that... Again with the fidgeting). And on the topic of the TWSBI pens, they basically all fit my criteria, they appear to be a safe bet but I can't pick one in particular (580 vs classic vs mini vs maybe the vac700 or vac mini) I just can't decide. Help would be very greatly appreciated.

When writing (with a regular size FP), do you post your cap ? H-G

I'm interested in purchasing a TWSBI Micarta (V.2) but cannot figure out how to post a "request to buy" on this website. Can anyone explain how to do this or which forum to use? Thx

For those who like to write to people, I just thought I'd draw attention to the recently-announced price increases from the Royal Mail. The link here will direct you to the new list and the increases come into effect on 31/03/14 - the end of this month. It's a real blow for a lot of people who will find the extra charges possibly prohibitive. Before anyone comments that the cost of a stamp is minuscule compared to the price of some of our pens - let me remind you: pen costs are something that we have control over because either we buy them or we don't. OUR decision. The Royal Mail increases are out of our control. Also; this increase will of course, effect the shipping charges too. I am not happy.

Edit: added pictures Hello. I've just gotten my Sheaffer Valor and have been using it for a few days at school. I haven't been doing anything that may have caused it like running around or dropping it, but there seems to be a faint mark on different parts of the acrylic pen. I suspect these may be capping/posting marks, as they are in the right place and are in ring shapes. There is one directly below the nib, one on the upper body and one at the very tip. If a fellow owner of an acrylic pen could assist in identifying these marks and any potential tips on maintenance and perhaps a solution to this, it would be greatly appreciated.