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I recently passed up a couple of Waterman vintage "super flex" pens in my price range because I was unsure about the pen size. There are no local FP stores in my area and I don't know anyone in 'real' life who uses fountain pens. So, I'm calling on the FPN members to help me compile a list of pen models -- new and vintage -- that would be appropriate for someone with small hands like myself. I am looking for pens that can be purchased (new or vintage) for less than $250. However, a list that includes costlier pens could help out someone with more money to spend. Bonus points (that will earn you nothing but my gratitude) for mentioning pens known for smooth-writing fine or extra fine nibs. My FP goal for 2020 is to purchase two pens: 1) a nice vintage flex and 2) a fabulous daily writer. Fabulous = comfortable to hold; Beautiful to look at; Smooth, not-scratchy, fine-point nib, Easy to fill; Easy to clean. My current go-to pens are the Lamy Safari and Esterbrook J. The Esterbrook is almost perfect in every way. This might sound weird, but I absolutely love the feel of the plastic (celluloid?) body. Smooth and slick but not at all slippery. The J is a size that I can easily write with posted or unposted. I find the fine (9556) nib pleasant to use. I also like that it is a tiny piece of history. My biggest pen is a Noodler's Ahab, fun to play with but terrible for writing. While not unweildy, I would say that it is at the large end for someone with small lady hands like myself. Capped and unposted, the Ahab is the same length as my Lamy Safari (Ahab is slightly longer posted). Yet the Ahab's girth makes it feel bigger. So, I would say the small hands pen size would be something between an Esterbrook J and a Noodler's Ahab.

Hey, all! I was lucky enough to secure an order today for Pilot's Twilight LE Vanishing Point (Goulet Pens just restocked, for those looking to get one). I have smaller hands, so it's really important that my pens be relatively slim and light (my Pilot Metropolitan is almost a bit too wide and heavy, especially when posted). Obviously, a VP is fairly hefty, but I've heard from various reviews that the weight seems to be centered more in the middle and bottom half where the clip's located, which makes it more manageable. Can anybody confirm this? I'm also curious to see whether people with smaller or average hands experience noticeable fatigue when using their VP. Thanks a lot! -Amy