Greetings From The Blue Mountains - Australia

[prague23]

Hi All,

 

I've made a few posts - too much in a hurry to get answers - so please allow me to remedy the situation by introducing myself.

 

I live in the Blue Mountains about 1.5 hours from Sydney, Australia. We are on the edge of the National Park, it's very relaxing - lots of wildlife etc.

 

I've always loved fountain pens and was given a Parker 51 (Mk III I think) in Navy Grey by my Dad about 20 years ago. When he passed away, I received his Sheaffer Targa. They have both been sitting in a box somewhere for the last 10 years. I had used the Parker 51 consistently from the time Dad originally passed it to me, but at some point I must have packed it away and that was that.

 

I recently had one of "those birthdays" (let's not discuss it), and decided fountain pen collecting should be my new hobby.

 

I've gone from 2 pens at the end of January, to 12 pens as of yesterday. Not bad (I think). I have read much worse, if you would call it that, on FPN.

 

So my collection now consists of

 

• 
   
  
• Parker 51
  
• Sheaffer Targa Australian Made Gold electroplated
  
• Aurora Ipsilon Deluxe in Blue (birthday present from husband)
  
• Waterman Expert II in Urban Brown (birthday present from my children - I had to buy it for them - they are 3 and 2)
  
• Vintage Dasi Shorthand Fountain Pen (Australian Made and in lovely condition)
  
• Elysee Brushed Stainless with gold trim (might be a Caprice - not sure)
  
• Waterman Audace in Midnight Glamour
  
• Parker Sonnet in Pink Gold
  
• Sailor WG Pocket Pen
  
• Caran D'Ache Dunas in Sahara Black
  
• Parker Cisele GP from the 80's
  
• Pelikan 400 in Tortoiseshell (arrived yesterday )
  

 

I can't choose a favourite amongst them yet ..

 

I don't know what's next on my list - I HAD TO HAVE a Pelikan .... and now I have it .... but it's strange not expecting anything in the post. :hmm1:

 

I thank you in advance for the answers to the many questions I'll end up asking - and it's really excellent to know that there is such a large, dedicated, knowledgable community like FPN.

 

If you have read this far, I have a question for you - I'm driving down to Sydney on the weekend and going to a good pen shop while I'm there.

 

So far I've only been using Quink Black in all the pens (except the Sailor - off to buy cartridges for that on the weekend too).

 

If I was to buy a few inks while I have good access to them - which ink would you recommend as a "must try" ? I'm thinking Noodlers HoD ? or maybe the Aurora Black (if they have it) any other suggestions ?

 

I will be posting the question on the Inky thoughts forum.

 

Anyway - waffling now -

 

over and out

 

Danielle

[koa]

After the initial rush, you can slow down. I also accumulated a number of pens right after I found FPN, and there were some I just had to have, if only to know what they were like. But now I only get a new pen once or twice a year, and am thinking I should put some of my earlier acquisitions up for sale, since I don't use them very much.

 

Inks? Oh,no, inks! That is where you go when you stop buying pens! Seems like you never have enough. I would cautiously recommend something besides black, cautiously.

 

But welcome, good to have you join us. :clap1:

[Francois_uk]

Welcome to the forum.

[Chris Chalmers]

Welcome from Tassie!

 

I wonder what inks you will end up with - you can walk into a shop with one idea, and walk out with totally different stuff!

I think Aurora has to be a staple ink in anybody's stash. Waterman's ink is lovely and very reliable too - without breaking the bank.

Good luck with your quest, that is the best part of this addiction.........isn't it?? :embarrassed_smile:

[USMCMom]

Hello and welcome!!! Glad you've stepped out and said hello.

[PAKMAN]

Hello and Welcome! Sounds like you've made a great start into the FP addiction!

[warden]

G'day from Melbourne, although technically it's gday from Mildura as im here for work!

I love the Blue Mountains, such a beautiful place.

 

I know how you feel with buying lots of pens in the beginning. I want to slap the credit card down every time I see a new pen. Thankfully, Jan - March being a killer for bills ive been slowed down in expanding my collection. I do however have 3 pens waiting at home for me that arrived while away!

[arrow king]

Welcome. You will soon have to buy or build boxes or storage cases. At that point there is no escape. What is the Dasi like? Are there other, made in Australia only, brands?

[noctrl02]

Welcome to the best place for fountain pen lovers on the internet! Visit often, share your wisdom, and help keep our economy going (buy more pens, ink, and paper!)

 

Andy

[RayMan]

Welcome Danielle. Nice collection.

[mlr8]

G'day from Sydney. Welcome to the Forum.

 

I only have Mont Blanc Pens, sorry I can not help you.

 

With best regards,

[Chinanico]

Hi from Sydney, welcome!

[inkspot]

Welcome! Glad to have you join us!

[kathleen]

Welcome Danielle, It is great to have another fountain pen enthusiast aboard. FPN members will definitely fuel your penchant for wonderful writing instruments, ink and papers, but that is not all, be sure to check-out the wonderful non pen related topics in CHATTER. I enjoyed your introduction and am pleased that you decided to join in the discourse.

[gross]

Welcome to The Fountain Pen Network, Danielle. Glad to have you join us. Make yourself right at home. We need you here, so don't be shy.

[prague23]

 

Thank you for being so welcoming!

 

And I've decided to be brave and buy some ...... coloured ink ......

 

Some pics of the Dasi - made by the original Pen shop in Brisbane - not sure when mine was made, but it's in lovely condition - original box etc - it's a Superflex.

[jiamin]

G'day from Penrith! I am envious of your collection, must get online and make purchases!

 

As to inks, I love the colors and performance of Private Reserve inks. I have four:

 

Sherwood Green

Fiesta Red

Lake Placid Blue, and

Tanzanite

 

I have recently purchased 2 Noodler's Inks: Heart of Darkness and Nightshade. The Nightshade looks choclaty in my Lamy Safari.