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

[de_pen_dent]

 

I agree. I'd rather get a $100.00, $150.00, $200.00 pen and have it adjusted/ground to the way I'd consider perfect, than to get a $500.00 pen that doesn't write well. Actually, I've never seen a $500.00 pen that interested me - probably because I know that's way above any amount I'd ever pay.

 

I'm the other way around. While in principle, having to futz around with the nib of an expensive pen is annoying, it is atleast worth it as the cost of getting it fixed is a smaller percent of the total cost. Thankfully, i havent had any problems with any of my expensive pens, barring a couple.

 

As it turns out, i often send my pricier pens to have them ground to stubs or CIs anyway (I find regular round tips quite boring). So it isnt such a big deal to spend another $50 to get it fixed - especially as i was likely to spend that money anyway.

[Ergative]

I've been reading a lot of ink reviews of Iroshizuki. I just don't like any of the colors. I've never used them, but I have trouble imagining that the reported flawless performance would make up for the colors.

[Blue_Moon]

I've been reading a lot of ink reviews of Iroshizuki. I just don't like any of the colors. I've never used them, but I have trouble imagining that the reported flawless performance would make up for the colors.

 

Maybe your monitor is not calibrated to be able to see them accurately. I've got five bottles - assorted colors and I think they're gorgeous. Also, it's true - they are extremely well behaved.

[aussielondon]

Can I add "throwing pen at the wall when it won't flow out of frustration and bad anger management skills?

Not that I did that or anything......

[ethosophical]

I hate the TWSBI logo, so much that it's kept me from buying pens I would probably enjoy.

[de_pen_dent]

I have a new one that has made it to the top of my list - the incessant MB bashing by people. Ok, we get it - you dont think that pen is worth it. Move on with your lives and dont spend so much time psychoanalyzing those who think differently.

 

There are far more cases of reverse snobbery here on FPN than the other way around - every other day there is a post going on about how MB is overpriced, or whining about the lack of value or the precious resin thing, or casting aspersions on the intelligence of those who waste money on Montblancs.

 

it gets tedious after a while (and this is from someone who has a decent collection of MBs but also does think that a lot of MBs are overpriced for what they are).

Edited September 6, 2014 by de_pen_dent

[Regulateur]

Fully agree with lovemy51 about Noodlers Apache Sunset, great ink, great color

Received my first Edison a few days ago, a Beaumont with a 1.1mm italic nib and ... I have mixed feelings about it. Nib is great, the size is perfect (similar to a M600) but the walls of the cap and body are so thin! To a point where I am concerned about its longevity in a normal daily usage. Disappointing for a $150 pen. Can't dispute the quality of the finish and the superb material. Can't extend my comments to other Edison pens but it makes me wonder about ordering an Edison Collier....

Same negative comment about MB. I have had this pen since '95, it was my go to pen for about 10 years. Not to impress by the so called precious resin. Cracked cap, cracked section and replaced the golden collar at the bottom of the section twice as the gold plating was peeling off. All this while my Pelikan barely shows any wear signs after 4 years.

I want to come back on the comments I made after getting my Edison Beaumont. I now had the pen for a few months and the initial fragility impression has gone away. I used this pen extensively, brought it on numerous business travels, and it proved to be just as robust as any other pens I own.

 

It still is an incredible writer that behaves well with any types of ink. Great pen.

Edited September 6, 2014 by Regulateur

[aawhite]

Sure. I can see that. It is probably more irritating when that happens to an expensive pen. OTOH, spending $50 to customize a nib makes more sense with a $500+ pen than a $50 pen. Regardless, either is annoying.

 

(Btw, your lab looks like my lab's younger sibling!)

 

 

I agree.

 

(Labs are great. Sad that I have never found a pen with a Lab theme.)

[oshizemi]

I hate the TWSBI logo, so much that it's kept me from buying pens I would probably enjoy.

I thought I was the only one. I feel the SAME way.

[WaskiSquirrel]

I think Noodler's pens are wonderful, and I think much of the criticism they get is from people who don't understand the niche they were meant to fill.

 

I think the Parker 51 is overrated. I hated the two I used. I recognize their technology (I took one of them apart to understand it), but I don't appreciate the pens at all. Yuck.

[tinysnail]

I've thought about this a bunch, and I don't know if I really have any taboo opinions! I guess I really don't like most blue inks, for some reason or another, and whether or not it's perfectly behaved, I found Waterman Florida/Serenity Blue to be EXCEEDINGLY boring. I'd rather write with an ink that's a little more finicky and not be bored to death.

 

I also don't understand the hatred of Safari clips. Is it taboo to say that I'm really into them? I think the way the clip curves is actually really cool. They're also the most function-oriented and sturdy clips I've tried; I trust them more when clipped onto my shirt more than any other clip.

 

I think Noodler's pens are wonderful, and I think much of the criticism they get is from people who don't understand the niche they were meant to fill.

 

I would agree with this. My Noodler's pens bring me the most joy of anything I have. Being able to totally disassemble my pens and really get to know them, and being able to adjust them to my exact writing, has taught me so much about pens. They feel that much more personal to me.

[Falconerguy]

I don't care what people say about the Pilot Metropolitan. I hate that pen. It leaked in my pocket and almost everybody has one.

[tendollarword]

 

I think the Parker 51 is overrated.

 

Same here. I liked mine (except for the hooded nib) but it wasn't amazing.

 

I also don't understand the hatred of Safari clips.

 

I think it's at least partly because of their unusual shape.

 

I haven't used a Safari, but I like the look of the clip. It reminds me of the pocket clips on some Spyderco knives

[Biber]

I hate the TWSBI logo, so much that it's kept me from buying pens I would probably enjoy.

 

I can't get past the name.

[Brian K]

I hate the TWSBI logo, so much that it's kept me from buying pens I would probably enjoy.

 

 

Funny how differently people react to the same things. I like the logo. It appeals to me as a Christan because you could use it to represent the Trinity. I don't, of course, know why you hate it, but I think it might be off-putting to some atheists or non-Christians for the same reason I like it. My Nana's response to this would have been "That's what makes the market."

[XiaoMG]

Not a TWSBI fan but have no opinions about their logo. It seems to be three very goofy styled 文 characters to represent the 三文 of the brand name. I don't think non-Christians care one iota about the arbitrary association of all things three with a triune deity.

 

I don't care what people say about the Pilot Metropolitan. I hate that pen. It leaked in my pocket and almost everybody has one.

I like the 78g when refinished, really like the Prera with F or EF nibs, and don't care much at all for the Metropolitan/Cocoon. Edited September 8, 2014 by XiaoMG

[Algester]

pens that don't meet the requirement of a daily grind (especially if your pen is made from porcelain)... but I have stay at home pens due to their hard to procure designation... Faber-Castell and Pilot are the pens I own that are hard to procure so I dont take my CH91 and Ambition out

and pens that you can't microwave I kid you not one day I'll do a pen stress test that includes fire and microwaves or maybe I should send a MB 149 to the can I microwave this youtube channel if it is still alive... I think they reitred already or maybe give it to the guy who makes will it blend by Tom dickson if people really say this one hell expensive of a pen is really that robust:X

on a related note

cigars are for smoking not writing :X

Edited September 8, 2014 by Algester

[ailevin]

lots of hates and dislikes here, how about some admissions of guilty pleasures:

• I love my $4 Pilot Petit I in Blue-Black. Writes better than my Preppies (and a number of more expensive pens), has very cool clear feed. This pen started my recent Pilot quest
• My ink tastes are boring. After sampling dozens of inks I use more black than anything else (Noodler's Black) followed by basic blues (Namiki Blue and Waterman Serenity Blue).
• The much maligned Parker 61 gets as much use as any pen in my rotation and performs flawlessly. I believe part of the secret is that it is always inked and regularly used.
• I understand reservations about the Noodler's Konrad as a first pen or starter pen, but I find it to be a fantastic modern pen once I have tinkered it to what I want. I like the size, shape, weight, filling system (mechanism and capacity), looks, and price of the pen. Also, the nib/feed combo gives me the nice fine wet line I like for everyday writing and flex when I am in the mood to play.
• My pens are both utilitarian tools, and toys at the same time. It gives me a little something to enjoy even in the worst meetings or most boring lectures. I also enjoy restoring, repairing, and tinkering with them.
• I can't stop buying paper. Are there self help groups for PAD (paper acquisition disorder) or my wife's PTSD (Paper Traumatic Storage Disorder)?

[Kugelschreiber]

I think Noodler's pens are wonderful, and I think much of the criticism they get is from people who don't understand the niche they were meant to fill.

 

The niche being people who need extra encouragement to use ballpoints and rollerballs.

 

I didn't actually mean that.

 

I happen to like the TWSBI logo even though it brings to mind those awful bio-hazard symbols.

[aussielondon]

I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would choose to use a pen with a metal section. Just the thought of it sets my teeth on edge.

Haha, so I am guessing you don't like my pen then (it's my main account photo)

Steel is chic.

Edited September 9, 2014 by aussielondon