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

[ScottT]

While I love these types of pens and the fp communities I do not understand why purchasing a pen, finding it does not write well out of the box is ok, normal, no big deal, just send it off to a nibmeister, etc. I spent a lot of money on a Pelican M200 which the seller did not want to deal with, finally did. Sent it back hardly better than before with replaced nib. And I am not supposed to feel, as I do, that I do not think I will ever give Pelikan my money again? Similar experience with Parsons Essential, cost more to send back than it cost to buy but I am supposed to do that? I am in for the long haul, maybe I will understand or accept when I have been in this longer.

 

Unbelievable price of some inks, I have not tried D' Ache and others of that price, probably will not. How high is this going to go you think? Iroshizuku is my max. unless I win the lottery and even then not sure I would support paying for a name so obviously just a brand cost.

 

The only thing I can think of is not too flattering. Most customers seem to have been conditioned to accept substandard work as 'normal'. Pay hundreds and get something that writes horribly? Sure, no problem, let me spend more time and $$ to send it away and wait for it to return in the condition it should have been out of the box...the exception being if someone wants the nib ground differently. The standards of quality will reflect the lowest that the customers will accept, and it seems that is quite low indeed. YMMV

[de_pen_dent]

 

The only thing I can think of is not too flattering. Most customers seem to have been conditioned to accept substandard work as 'normal'. Pay hundreds and get something that writes horribly? Sure, no problem, let me spend more time and $$ to send it away and wait for it to return in the condition it should have been out of the box...the exception being if someone wants the nib ground differently. The standards of quality will reflect the lowest that the customers will accept, and it seems that is quite low indeed. YMMV

 

While i agree with the sentiment above in principle, it is worth noting that there is no single objective performance standard of what is a "good" writer - some people like a dryer pen, some like a firehose, some like paper feedback, some dont, the type of paper & ink used also makes a difference, etc. etc.

 

The above variation in preference would, imo, compound the effect of the variation from manufacturing error.

[Algester]

well... since I'm still waiting for a closure...

how bout having a customs official drill a hole through a GvFC Pen of the Year and then subsequently knowingly sabotage the pen at full postage price
PS: I'm still waiting a closure on this story... looks... interesting how it will get done
My condolences on that unlucky guy

[ScottT]

 

While i agree with the sentiment above in principle, it is worth noting that there is no single objective performance standard of what is a "good" writer - some people like a dryer pen, some like a firehose, some like paper feedback, some dont, the type of paper & ink used also makes a difference, etc. etc.

 

The above variation in preference would, imo, compound the effect of the variation from manufacturing error.

 

You make a very good point. I should have stated 'barring personal preferences', there needs to be a minimum acceptable level of quality. The pen may not write exactly to suit, but it should write, no skipping, no catching on paper, no misaligned tines or baby bottoms.

[de_pen_dent]

 

You make a very good point. I should have stated 'barring personal preferences', there needs to be a minimum acceptable level of quality. The pen may not write exactly to suit, but it should write, no skipping, no catching on paper, no misaligned tines or baby bottoms.

 

Yeah, true that. I came across a tidbit somewhere recently that manufacturers deliberately add a bit of baby bottom to make their pens smoother on rough paper - except that it sucks for those of us who use smooth, glossy paper. I sure hope that statement was in error!

[Mickey]

 

Yeah, true that. I came across a tidbit somewhere recently that manufacturers deliberately add a bit of baby bottom to make their pens smoother on rough paper - except that it sucks for those of us who use smooth, glossy paper. I sure hope that statement was in error!

 

A certain amount of rounding between the tines is absolutely necessary, otherwise the nib will be scratchy. The balancing act for nib grinders is 'breaking' the edge enough to provide a smooth ride, but not so much as to cause starting problems. At least one manufacturer has earned a reputation for aggressively rounding the inside edges, then trying to compensate with excessive (to my taste) ink flow. Consequently, I'm suspicious of the grind quality of any pen that is a fresh out of the factory box wet writer.

[de_pen_dent]

^^ Thanks for that info, Mickey.

[Mezzie]

I have yet to try using my converter as I am still on the ink cartridge that came with my first fountain pen, and from what I have been reading on here I am up for alot of disappointment.

Are they really that bad?

I love piston converters and hate piston pens (at least so far). To each his own -- try it out and come to your own conclusions.

[dragos.mocanu]

I LOVE the smell of the clear Noodler's resin (just the clear, non colored one)...I also love how it yellows with age!

[de_pen_dent]

Can I add the word "nibmeister" to the list?

[ethernautrix]

I have yet to try using my converter as I am still on the ink cartridge that came with my first fountain pen, and from what I have been reading on here I am up for alot of disappointment.

Are they really that bad?

Nope. I prefer cartridges. I have six Nakayas inked, using Platinum cartridges that I refill with inks of my choice, using a syringe. I suppose some might consider refilling cartridges a bit of a bother, but these pens are easier to clean than other filling types (according to my definition of easier). A little ball inside the cartridge prevents the ink from pooling at the butt end.

[ethernautrix]

I agree with the whole flex/semi-flex fixation. If that's how you (impersonal you) get your kicks, more power to you, and I even enjoy semi-flex nibs on a couple of pens, but I loves me my hard naily-nail nibs.

 

I do like seeing others' lettering using what nibs they're using, so I am not criticizing the soft or flex/semi-flex nibs. But the insistence that these are superior nibs without question is silly. Depends on what effect you want.

[Vlad Soare]

I hate the condescendence with which owners of expensive fountain pens are treated by those who cannot afford (or can, but simply choose not to buy) them. Somehow it has become fashionable to pretend to be poor, and to look down on those who refuse to do that. Like the appearance of poverty were necessarily something to be proud of.

Using and enjoying a $20 fountain pen is totally OK. Thinking it makes you superior to those "snobs" who are not ashamed of using $1000 fountain pens is not.

Wealth doesn't make anyone superior. But neither does poverty. There can be snobbery in poverty, too.

Edited September 23, 2014 by Vlad Soare

[de_pen_dent]

I hate the condescendence with which owners of expensive fountain pens are treated by those who cannot afford (or can, but simply choose not to buy) them. Somehow it has become fashionable to pretend to be poor, and to look down on those who refuse to do that. Like the appearance of poverty were necessarily something to be proud of.

Using and enjoying a $20 fountain pen is totally OK. Thinking it makes you superior to those "snobs" who are not ashamed of using $1000 fountain pens is not.

Wealth doesn't make anyone superior. But neither does poverty. There can be snobbery in poverty, too.

 

+1000.

[Biber]

Can I add the word "nibmeister" to the list?

 

Followed closely, if not preceded by the term "bespoke".

[Christi0469]

Can I add the word "nibmeister" to the list?

Of course you can, but I am curious what bothers you about the term. I find it a bit silly sounding, but it doesn't actually annoy me.

 

 

Though I don't ever see myself spending $1000 on a pen I don't see a problem with others doing so. It's their money and they can spend it in ways that seem frivolous to me without being an idiot or a degenerate. Different strokes for different folks and all that. Still, I don't think that not buying expensive pens equates with the appearance of poverty, A truly poor person wouldn't be able to afford even the $20 pen, and some truly rich people are thrifty (or even miserly). Most of the very well-off people in my neck of the woods are farmers who sold land at very good prices. They would consider my purchase of one Pilot Metropolitan frivolous, and my multiple pen purchases downright baffling.

Edited September 23, 2014 by Christi0469

[de_pen_dent]

Of course you can, but I am curious what bothers you about the term. I find it a bit silly sounding, but it doesn't actually annoy me.

 

It doesnt annoy me either, but i do find it somewhat absurd (and were it not for the absurdity, a little pretentious). For some reason, it makes me feel as though i am in a SNL sketch. Hans & Franz here, Simon making copies there, and a nibmeister, making nibs in that corner.

 

About the only thing in the fountain pen hobby that actually irritates me is the point Vlad raises above - and that is on general principle and not b/c I take it personally (I dont know anyone here in person - heck, I dont even post with my name). This is one of the few character traits that gets under my skin: being judgemental and making blanket, denigrating statements about others who have a different point of view. Dont like a pen - who cares, its only a pen. Just dont pretend to be a mindreader and pass judgement on the motives of those who do.

Edited September 23, 2014 by de_pen_dent

[Christi0469]

My apologies, I went back to add thoughts to my previous post and leapfrogged you.

[serpent]

How is $50.00 a cheap pen? To some people, that's all they'll ever own.... Typical bushwa - elitist -nose in the air attitude - , reflecting price to quality and actual usability. The last I looked, nobody has every stood up and said I wrote a great script or book because of my expensive pen... sure you can be inspired buy your instrument... but it doesn't make you a better person or more creative because the brand name inflates the cost... but not necessarily the actual value. Pens aren't musical instruments.

 

In reality, a MB fountain pen should be more money than a Lamy allstar... But $780.00 more???? for resin? If you believe that I have a bridge to sell you. But to each his own... I have both. If you want a pen with diamonds and bells and whistles god bless... doesn't make you a better writer though. The notion that FP's is just a rich mans hobby kills me.

 

I don't think buying less expensive pens is "collecting" pens... they most likely get used more the the $500 pens.

 

Here's some reasons for buying less expensive pens as a Fountain pen enthusiast.... everyday bang around use... you don't want to lose a good $500 plus pen out and about.... or you just like the way they write!!!

 

I'm a FP ink fanatic... for each ink I buy, I buy a Lamy or Pilot for it. My inks get their own pens.

 

People just hate to admit, that a $50 Lamy filled with MB Toffee pretty much does the same job as a $800 MB filled with MB Toffee... on paper there's really not a $750 difference. I remember when MB fountain pens were less than $300.00 the only thing that has changed with the pen all these years later is just the price more than doubled... for the same exact Resin pen... you're actually paying for German employees with 8week vacations,&nice pension plans.

they need 8 weeks to recover from 10 months of laughing at, how much people will pay for their Chinese made products.

[HamFist]

they need 8 weeks to recover from 10 months of laughing at, how much people will pay for their Chinese made products.

Germans can take 18 weeks if they want to they will still be more productive than most folks only taking only 1 or 2 weeks off.