Who makes the best pens today ?

[jar]

I've been using and buying fountain pens now for well over a half century so while my experience may not be as complete as others it is still a fairly large data set.

 

Of over 50 Sheaffer fountain pens none have had to be sent to a nib technician to write well. Some have needed repairs but none within the first quarter century after initial purchase.

 

My experience with over 40 Parker pens has been the same, some have needed repairs but none within the first quarter century after purchase and no nibs needed work.

 

I have over 25 examples of ST Duponts and a similar selection of Montegrappas and only one Montegrappa needed nib work and it was a specialty grind that would dry out overnight. The nib technician fixed that of course.

 

I have about 20 or so Mont Blancs and none ever needed nib work. Some have needed new piston seals but as above, not during the first quarter century or more of use.

 

Although my samples of other brands are considerably smaller I have not had any problems with my pens from Conway Stewart (several ownerships), Graf von Faber Castell, Caran d'Ache, Waterman, Signum, OMAS, Yard-o-Led, Pelikan, Aurora or Ferrari da Varese.

 

I have also had great luck with pens from many other companies but the sample sizes are all under five pens and so not large enough to make any firm statements.

[Bill P]

I couldn't in good conscience vote for any of those 3 manufacturers...

 

In todays market place none of them would be in my top 5.