fountain pen taboos - don't enter if you're easily offended

[Arkanabar]

Hokay, my (perhaps) unpopular opinions.

 

1. I don't like converters. Any number of things can raise the cost of a pen. In my opinion, the reasonable ones are things like quality control that includes careful nib adjustment, materials (body more than nibs; nibs are only a couple or maybe 3 grams, tops), visual design, difficulty of manufacturing the fill mechanism. Because converters add a couple extra failure points where the pen can leak, it ought not to be used on a quality pen.

 

2. I don't like cartridges. There is nowhere near the variety in ink colors, and far too many of my favorites get cast aside. And they cost a lot more per page.

 

3. I suppose a good, matte finish metal section could be nice, but polished? Puh-LEASE! (And yes, that's an ignorant opinion, I've never touched a fountain pen with a polished metal section.)

 

4. I don't like the Safari/ Vista/ Al-Star. The section is way more narrow than it needs to be. YOU may like narrow sections, but I don't.

 

5. I don't want an MB Meisterstuck, unless it's pretty cheap. Like, less than a complete M200 from Richard Binder. I walked into an MB boutique, tried their 8 or so nibs (all in 149 bodies, IIRC) and left with 6 colors of ink on my hands.

 

6. My Parker "51" is my heaviest pen. And that's the way I want it to stay. No brass, sterling, or gold barreled pens for me!

 

7. I cannot defend the extra expense of a limited edition when the most important thing about a pen is how it writes. My Parker "51" is the most commonplace variation, i.e., aerometric filler, black, with lustraloy cap. My dad wanted the best-writing pen he could get, for the least money he could get it. And that seems like a prudent way to go.

 

8. I'm not paying for bling before I win a lottery jackpot. No cutwork, no gemstones, no cloisonne, no maki-e.

 

9. While some texture (e.g., BCHR, cisle [even if it IS ugly], barley, etc) is understandable, a pen's overall shape & lines should be smooth. Lumpy, knobby, and blobby shapes are not acceptable.

 

10. Echo everyone on ostentatious gift boxes. If somebody wants to impress ME with a functional gift, then it should come in functional packaging. And in a lot of cases, I wonder if the giant elaborate gift box of exquisiteness is there to make up for the shoddiness of the pen within.

 

11. Echo all on people who use their pens to assure themselves and/or others of their own self-worth. Rush Limbaugh is the man who did this to MB, by always waving one around on his TV show.

 

12. I have a Hero 616 that I like but for ONE THING. It always dries up before I can write it out. How do I know? Cos Slovenian Skrip Turqouise comes out midnight blue by the time the pen runs dry. CLEARLY the ink is losing water.

[Aurelius]

Hey everyone!

 

I've enjoyed reading the many responses! We are definitely an interested collection of FP fans.

 

Taboo:

 

1. While I really appreciate vintage pens and have vintage watches from my grandfather and father, I shy away from vintage pens because I really don't find the idea of having to do "maintenance" on a pen very attractive. I definitely think that ease of use and ownership is a big point for me. I'm probably an example of why MB has moved to cartridges in the Starwalker line of pens.

2. I don't buy what I don't know. I really don't know and trust the Chinese pen manufacturers, probably highly unfairly, but I always think of Toy 'R Us recalls of toys made from China that will poison your child because of the paint or some other aspect. Perhaps I'd change my mind if I actually got my hands on one.

3. I need to spend less time on this forum because it is often the cause of my falling asleep much later than I had intended...thanks to many of you and your posts!

 

That aside, I think we buy our MB or Parkers because we're just drawn to things. I am very happy with my Lamys, MBs, and Pelikans. I like Visconti, but just like wearing some fancy Italian suit, I think it's not me. I don't buy my pens to fill some void, but I do believe that we are always selling ourselves, in some form or another. I think that our pens, watches, shoes, purses can say something about us, but mostly people will often create their own story. However, regardless of what stories they create of us, we always have the ability to demonstrate who we are through our actions, so I'm not so worried about how I look because I have an MB. Unfortunately, fountain pens aren't so popular nowadays that most people would even know to have an opinion either way. I like reading the posts here because everyone is different and I've learned a tremendous amount. I'm hoping to attend a Phoenix area pen show if there ever is one and continue as the fountain pen ambassador at work.

 

Cheers!

[jniforat]

I don't buy from people that say, "Use the search function at the top of this page." We are already a small community, and should enjoy answering one another's questions (at least i do)...

 

I have one friend, a n00b concerning fountain pens, that has already left this website because of some orotund fools that were mean to him. I don't buy from them either.

[Makar]

I don't buy from people that say, "Use the search function at the top of this page." We are already a small community, and should enjoy answering one another's questions (at least i do)...

 

I have one friend, a n00b concerning fountain pens, that has already left this website because of some orotund fools that were mean to him. I don't buy from them either.

 

I had to use the search function to find out what orotund meant - thanks a bunch pal - I like search functions and they function very well here. Mind you it didn't tell me anything more about orotund :hmm1: There's nothing to beat having a big dic handy I suppose!

 

I too believe that questions and answers are what this place is all about. Long may that continue! An old topic can always have a new spin or a novel tidbit.

 

My pet hate I suppose is in the pen purchasing dept. - oversell, lack of deal breaking (negative) info and selling that implies or alludes to something that is not wholly or even partly true. Not too many folks like that here thank the wee man. This place mostly feels very safe and homely

[jniforat]

I don't buy from people that say, "Use the search function at the top of this page." We are already a small community, and should enjoy answering one another's questions (at least i do)...

 

I have one friend, a n00b concerning fountain pens, that has already left this website because of some orotund fools that were mean to him. I don't buy from them either.

 

I had to use the search function to find out what orotund meant - thanks a bunch pal - I like search functions and they function very well here. Mind you it didn't tell me anything more about orotund :hmm1: There's nothing to beat having a big dic handy I suppose!

 

I too believe that questions and answers are what this place is all about. Long may that continue! An old topic can always have a new spin or a novel tidbit.

 

My pet hate I suppose is in the pen purchasing dept. - oversell, lack of deal breaking (negative) info and selling that implies or alludes to something that is not wholly or even partly true. Not too many folks like that here thank the wee man. This place mostly feels very safe and homely

 

I love search functions too, and I use the one here all the time. However, that's not the point. For me, as I'm sure for countless others, the whole "fountain pen experience" is deeply connected to the fountain pen network community. My friend was posting one of those "this-has-been-asked-1000x-times" post, and a few people just stated "Use the search function," which is completely different from, "This question has been asked before, and the search function is really useful; however, I think the answer to your question is (blah blah blah)." He doesn't even come on the network anymore (in large part,too, because people were ruthlessly bashing Asian (specifically, Chinese) fountain pens).

 

And yes, having a big dic handy is always useful (though i think this is somewhat tangential to what my post was/is addressing).

 

I love when a "n00b" or any user, for that matters, asks a question i've already seen before. it's fun to "re"-answer the question, and it's what makes this community (95% of the time) so absolutely wonderful. Then again, that's the teacher in me...

 

 

 

Anyways:

 

What frustrates me is that there is no "real" pen stores in Albuquerque (the only one i know of that's worth its salt is in Santa Fe, and i don't make it up there that frequently), so i land up buying pens and then selling them because i can't try any pen out

[Makar]

What frustrates me is that there is no "real" pen stores in Albuquerque (the only one i know of that's worth its salt is in Santa Fe, and i don't make it up there that frequently), so i land up buying pens and then selling them because i can't try any pen out

 

At least you have hot dogs and jumping frogs to try out...Prefab Sprout were Scottish and maybe under some sort of intoxication when relating to Albequerque, right enough. Funny - that is about all I can relate to Albequerque - the song just came straight into my head :blink:

 

My nearest pen shop is very, very far away. So far that I don't know where it is. Online shopping is my friend too.

 

Back on topic - my pet hate is that I really like Montblanc pens. If only I had been near a shop to try one I would have bought one years ago. Maybe that's a good thing - measured doses of good stuff, not all at once. My wife would like me to have one pen. I don't like that idea much either.

[jniforat]

 

Back on topic - my pet hate is that I really like Montblanc pens. If only I had been near a shop to try one I would have bought one years ago. Maybe that's a good thing - measured doses of good stuff, not all at once. My wife would like me to have one pen. I don't like that idea much either.

 

+1!! i've bought a few online, but didn't like them because they didn't fit my hand well...if only i could have tried one in a store ugh

 

Not having pen stores nearby is frustrating.

 

Also, not having pen shows in Abq/NM is frustrating!

 

best,

j

[csmorris]

I don't buy from people that say, "Use the search function at the top of this page." We are already a small community, and should enjoy answering one another's questions (at least i do)...

 

I have one friend, a n00b concerning fountain pens, that has already left this website because of some orotund fools that were mean to him. I don't buy from them either.

 

I had to use the search function to find out what orotund meant - thanks a bunch pal - I like search functions and they function very well here. Mind you it didn't tell me anything more about orotund :hmm1: There's nothing to beat having a big dic handy I suppose!

 

I too believe that questions and answers are what this place is all about. Long may that continue! An old topic can always have a new spin or a novel tidbit.

 

My pet hate I suppose is in the pen purchasing dept. - oversell, lack of deal breaking (negative) info and selling that implies or alludes to something that is not wholly or even partly true. Not too many folks like that here thank the wee man. This place mostly feels very safe and homely

 

I love search functions too, and I use the one here all the time. However, that's not the point. For me, as I'm sure for countless others, the whole "fountain pen experience" is deeply connected to the fountain pen network community. My friend was posting one of those "this-has-been-asked-1000x-times" post, and a few people just stated "Use the search function," which is completely different from, "This question has been asked before, and the search function is really useful; however, I think the answer to your question is (blah blah blah)." He doesn't even come on the network anymore (in large part,too, because people were ruthlessly bashing Asian (specifically, Chinese) fountain pens).

 

And yes, having a big dic handy is always useful (though i think this is somewhat tangential to what my post was/is addressing).

 

I love when a "n00b" or any user, for that matters, asks a question i've already seen before. it's fun to "re"-answer the question, and it's what makes this community (95% of the time) so absolutely wonderful. Then again, that's the teacher in me...

 

 

 

Anyways:

 

What frustrates me is that there is no "real" pen stores in Albuquerque (the only one i know of that's worth its salt is in Santa Fe, and i don't make it up there that frequently), so i land up buying pens and then selling them because i can't try any pen out

 

Luckily your n00b friend didn't ask why don't we have a Lamy forum

I made that mistake once myself :embarrassed_smile:

[jniforat]

 

 

Luckily your n00b friend didn't ask why don't we have a Lamy forum

I made that mistake once myself :embarrassed_smile:

 

haha it happens

 

What are some things that irk you about fountain pens, the process, etc.?

[wvbeetlebug]

Hey,

 

Now that we're on a roll. Why would anyone pay more than $1.50 for a fountain pen that doesn't have a screw-on cap?

 

 

 

Personally, I prefer not to use screw on caps. I write, stop for minutes, write, start and stop. Screw ons take too much time. For me a screw on is bling factor, though I know you'll say it keeps the ink from drying out, as does a quality push on.

+1

Although I do have a few screw on caps, most of my collection are slip ons.

[Pentech42]

Over the top adverts for pens that in some cases are hyperbole but others are outright truth stretching to the breaking point.

[Bo Bo Olson]

I don't buy from people that say, "Use the search function at the top of this page." We are already a small community, and should enjoy answering one another's questions (at least i do)...

 

I have one friend, a n00b concerning fountain pens, that has already left this website because of some orotund fools that were mean to him. I don't buy from them either.

 

I had to use the search function to find out what orotund meant - thanks a bunch pal - I like search functions and they function very well here. Mind you it didn't tell me anything more about orotund :hmm1: There's nothing to beat having a big dic handy I suppose!

 

I too believe that questions and answers are what this place is all about. Long may that continue! An old topic can always have a new spin or a novel tidbit.

 

My pet hate I suppose is in the pen purchasing dept. - oversell, lack of deal breaking (negative) info and selling that implies or alludes to something that is not wholly or even partly true. Not too many folks like that here thank the wee man. This place mostly feels very safe and homely

 

I love search functions too, and I use the one here all the time. However, that's not the point. For me, as I'm sure for countless others, the whole "fountain pen experience" is deeply connected to the fountain pen network community. My friend was posting one of those "this-has-been-asked-1000x-times" post, and a few people just stated "Use the search function," which is completely different from, "This question has been asked before, and the search function is really useful; however, I think the answer to your question is (blah blah blah)." He doesn't even come on the network anymore (in large part,too, because people were ruthlessly bashing Asian (specifically, Chinese) fountain pens).

 

And yes, having a big dic handy is always useful (though i think this is somewhat tangential to what my post was/is addressing).

 

I love when a "n00b" or any user, for that matters, asks a question i've already seen before. it's fun to "re"-answer the question, and it's what makes this community (95% of the time) so absolutely wonderful. Then again, that's the teacher in me...

 

 

 

Anyways:

 

What frustrates me is that there is no "real" pen stores in Albuquerque (the only one i know of that's worth its salt is in Santa Fe, and i don't make it up there that frequently), so i land up buying pens and then selling them because i can't try any pen out

 

Hey tell your friend, we use to bash Japanese crud too.I can remember doing it from the 50's and 60's and 70's then suddenly they bribed Congressmen and were allowed to dump products. By that time they were not making crud.

Some of the Chinese pens are not crud, and the next one off the line is...now that is cruddy.

 

 

The in the Early 20th Century, Japanese took over from the Germans in making crud...many products the Germans made were better per dollar than anything else; made in England, or France; much less second level quality from America, but much was couldn't make it cheaper and not have the guy starve to death inside the factory.

 

As soon as the pen company's stop making crud and can match a Bic all the time, the world's their oyster.

 

He should be happy, 20 years ago 94.6% of the Americans didn't know where China was.

Now they do, between The US and Hawaii

 

Anyone still going to buy Parkers when Hero buys them up?

 

It would be ok to tell some one to look something up in Search, if Search wasn't made of mishmashed wooden gears..the Search function here is Vintage....1950's IBM card sorting, Vintage.

 

Some one should spend three bucks and buy something from the 1990's.

 

I've got some vintage pens, and yep, just like buying a 1948 Buick sooner or later you are going to have to put a new gasket in it.

 

I fell in love with semi-flex nibs; living in Germany I can Gamble on The Bay,and get 6 or more pens, that two or three have semi-flex nibs in it, for the cost of buying a single non-crud Japanese pen with a semi-flex nib in it.

 

 

When you buy old crud, you got to get it fixed up...eventually, if it ain't Broke on Delivery*....that too becomes eventually.

*Which you knew when the guys says I ain't got a cartridge; for a piston pen.

[wvbeetlebug]

No love for Rhodia here either. I have some pads I will use up but will not repurchase.

 

I buy multiples of the same pen because I like to use different colors of ink.

Hence having multiple Safaris and Parker 51's. All different colors with varying nib sizes.

 

I'd love Noodler's more if it didn't have such a strong scent.

 

Private Reserve inks have been very good to me and is the bulk of my collection.

 

 

Pelikan and Parker are for boring old people with no money.

Mont Blanc is for boring old people with too much money.

 

Is 34 considered old nowadays? If so, then call me an old broke gal with a fondness for Parker.

[Bo Bo Olson]

"""Pelikan and Parker are for boring old people with no money.

Mont Blanc is for boring old people with too much money."""

 

Yep, boring old folk, that's me.... and a silver Parker 75 cost a lot of silver dollar money new.

It still costs a lot in inflation paper money too.

Yep...I'm so old I can remember when Money was Money, in the Days of The Almighty Dollar.

 

Got a nice old second tier MB with a semi-flex KOB nib....whoops...price worthy...

 

Boring I am, but not my better nibs.

 

I like boring...once when young, I was not bored for much too little money. The weather was lousy, the people unfriendly and dog's wouldn't eat what we were given for food.

 

I'll not bore you with that...I'll bore you with a tale of an Air Plane that could not make up it's mind to drown me in ice cold water or bury me in the tundra.

Come to think of it; I was underpaid then too. The food was good though.

 

Being bored is nice. It beats not being bored, all hollow.

 

There is a problem, you can not explain "experience", you have to live it. Only then can you relate to some one else's "experience".

 

Two rules...and I break them all the time; never give advice, and always carry a Church Key.

Edited July 6, 2010 by Bo Bo Olson

[lovemy51]

 

Fine nibs are for etching and nibs like nails are for braille. Real writers use flex and broadness to show off their lack of writing skills.

 

 

Peter.

 

so... what do you use, boring mediocre medium nibs? :hmm1: ... just wondering!

[Bo Bo Olson]

 

Fine nibs are for etching and nibs like nails are for braille. Real writers use flex and broadness to show off their lack of writing skills.

 

 

Peter.

 

so... what do you use, boring mediocre medium nibs? :hmm1: ... just wondering!

 

 

MB Toffee is just great for regular flex boring Medium nibs. Made me lose my prejudice picked up here about boring medium nibs.

 

All my teacher went to heaven, having spent their time in hell reading hen scratch...mine included. Medium is good for hen scratch too.

[Wolverine1]

I will never buy a pen made in Mainland China. Crappy quality, garish designs. Only US, Western European and Japanese made pens for me. And I am a South-Asian guy.

[meiers]

I like this thread so far....

 

1) I'll never buy another Bexley. I've been unhappy with both the performance and with the service - I own four and each one has had/still has issues.

 

2) The Parker Sonnet is overpriced and poorly designed.

 

Is it something you are doing?

 

My Bexley Poseidon is amazing.

 

If you want service, www.nibs.com will repair them out for you.

 

Matt

[Martius]

I will confess.

 

1) I hate most Parker pens, the "51" especially (even though I own 3). I think my favorite Parker might be the classic Duofold series, but even those somehow feel inadequate to me compared to the Sheaffer's Flat Tops. I think Vacs are beautiful, but they have an uncomfortable grip for me. The much higher demand and prices for Parkers annoy me accordingly.

 

2) The Lamy 2000, which might be my favorite everyday writer looks-wise and writing-wise (after adjustment), has the worst out-of-box nib setup I've ever seen. It is bone dry under light pressure and a firehose under heavy pressure (3 different nibs I've tried have been this way). I can usually accommodate differences in how pens write, but to me that particular setup is unwritable.

 

3) Anyone who insults the Pilot Custom 823 has to fight me.

 

4) I have an unhealthy love for Sheaffer's Triumph nibs.

 

5) Platinum converters are garbage. I demand a Sailor converter for my Nakaya.

[Namo]

 

4. I don't like the Safari/ Vista/ Al-Star. The section is way more narrow than it needs to be. YOU may like narrow sections, but I don't.

 

I don't either. But the truth is that these pen are designed for school children. I was in Switzerland last year, near the small town off Sion (Valais) - which mean there was only a small papershop that was selling some pens. My sweetheart gave me a couple of FPs for my birthday, includind the horribly beautiful Lamy Safari Green lime. Afterward, she told me that the seller over there almost laughed at her when she discovered it was a gift for me. In North America, the perception may not be the same.