First post-collegiate job!

[HesNot]

Congratulations! I am partial to vintage pens myself - but I have to admit that the modern new pen which really surprised me is the Sheaffer Prelude. For a reasonably priced pen mine is a great writer and is very well made.

 

As for vintage I'll second (third, fourth or fifth) the suggestions of a Parker "51", a Sheaffer Touchdown or perhaps a snorkel.

[spinwards]

Well, I have not decided between new or vintage. It doesn't really matter to me, as long as it is a good pen!

 

I am looking for a pen that feels like a substantial, quality instrument. I would like something with an understated and classy appointments.

 

Now that the obvious is out of the way, here is what I am loking for:

 

Traditional body material. Celuloid, Hard rubber, metal, laquer. Basically anything but cheap plastic.

 

Strong clip with a cap that will stay put.

 

A nib on the fine side of medium, preferably gold (not plated).

 

I would prefer a self filling pen over a cart/converter. I am not married to a particular filling system, but I admire pistons, snorks, and Tip Dips.

 

Capacity is not an issue, as I often change ink in my pens.

 

=-=-=-=-=-=

 

I tried out a Pelikan in the store today and I did like it, but I don't think it was the right pen for this occasion.

 

I tried out a Lamy Studio, and I am leaning towards it over the Pel. I had a bad experience with a dry dry Lamy Safari. How similar are they?

 

I tried the Sonnet, but their display model had a feed problem and would only write when used with conciderable force. The pen felt great in my hand, I just wish I knew how it performed.

[DRP]

Okay, let me put in another pitch for my favorite: the Sheaffer Targa. The gold Targe (regular size pen rather than the slim model) is made of brass with gold plating. Substantial but surprisingly, not heavy.

 

The Sheaffer clip is very strong and durable.

 

Sheaffer's Targa pens were mostly 14k gold which has just a touch of flexibility; certainly not hard as a nail but still very durable.

 

Well, can't satisfy you on the filler. Has a cartridge or converter. Pretty good capacity.

 

Well worth considering.

[Sparky]

Buy a Hero 100 from isellpens.com (no relation--just a happy customer). It costs 27.99 plus shipping, has a 14k fine nib, and is a classic look of a Parker 51.

[FLZapped]

I tried the Sonnet, but their display model had a feed problem and would only write when used with conciderable force. The pen felt great in my hand, I just wish I knew how it performed.

That's really too bad.....

 

A properly functioning Sonnet is very smooth and lays down a nice wet line. My medium is the only pen that puts down enough Quink blue-black to actually make it look like that color.....(Sadly this is one of those inks that lightens considerably when it dries.)

 

The one you tried was most certainly screwed up somehow.

 

-Bruce

[spinwards]

A few more questions

 

How does the latitude compare with the low end sonnet?

 

Where can I find a reasonably priced Targa?

 

Where the devil can I find a VP for under $100?? They seem to be in the 120 range. The least that I have seen is $99, which is arguable under 100, but that is cutting it close.

 

The Pelicans I tried did not feel substantial. How do the 250s compare?

 

I would really like a gold nibed FP, any suggestions?

 

Suggesitons for gold nib so far:

- Parker 51

- Targa

[NeoTiger]

Where the devil can I find a VP for under $100?? They seem to be in the 120 range. The least that I have seen is $99, which is arguable under 100, but that is cutting it close.

Under $100 VP's:

 

1) eBay, can get them from $70-90 if you are patient and good.

 

2) Ujuku's Pen shop from Japan, the cheapest VP goes for $86.5 + quite a bit of shipping.

http://ujuku.jpn.ph/KAIMONO/penframe.htm

 

 

Also note the VP is gold nib as well.

[blueiris]

The Pelicans I tried did not feel substantial. How do the 250s compare?

 

If you tried a regular Pelikan M200, I believe the M250 is the same sort of body feel but with a gold nib.

 

The M215 is reportedly more substantial-feeling/not as lightweight as the M200. I've never tried an M200, but my M215 is shorter than my M620 but seems around the same weight, if that means anything. That said, I find lightweight pens more comfortable to use, and I'd consider both the M215 or M620 to be reasonably light, but more substantial-feeling than my Lamy Safaris, for instance.

Edited September 2, 2006 by blueiris

[spinwards]

I was thinking of the 215. When I was in Madison I tried a 200, and while they had a 215 available, they did not have a display modal that I could ink.

[kissing]

 

I tried the Sonnet, but their display model had a feed problem and would only write when used with conciderable force. The pen felt great in my hand, I just wish I knew how it performed.

That's really too bad.....

 

A properly functioning Sonnet is very smooth and lays down a nice wet line. My medium is the only pen that puts down enough Quink blue-black to actually make it look like that color.....(Sadly this is one of those inks that lightens considerably when it dries.)

 

The one you tried was most certainly screwed up somehow.

 

-Bruce

My Sonnet is my favourite writer - I even prefer it over my Duofold, "51" AND Snorkel!

 

With the right ink and a proper working nib/feed - The Sonnet writes like a dream

 

Is it Gold nibs you want? Don't forget the Hero 100

Edited September 2, 2006 by kissing

[southpaw]

On the VP, I'd check Pam Braun at www.oscarbraunpens.com. Usual disclaimer, blah blah blah. Great service too!

[goodguy]

Some Targas go for around 40$ on eBay.Be patient.

 

Instead of letting advice you of what to buy I think you should do your own research and decide what to buy.

 

I love Parkers and Sheaffers.I might consider few other makers but other makers like Lamy I dont like.You should find what YOU like and then find the specific model that matches you needs.

[spinwards]

I know.

 

There are so many options, and not all of them good. People make the best 'net-noise filter, and I have gotten some great suggestions. Thanks guys.

 

I am really thinking about a Pel 215. I like the filling mechanism, and it sounds like it has some heft without being heavy.

 

I like the features of the Targa, but the design does not catch my eye.

 

The VP looks good, but I would have to try it out first.