Favorite American Pen?

[tricnomistal]

So, I've been looking around at lots of pens and most of the pens I've had suggested to me are European or Japanese. And most of my pens were made overseas. I have nothing against foreign pens or foreign pen manufacturers, but I do find pride in good American products. With pens though, I know Parker is an American pen company, but I've also heard that their quality isn't always very good.

 

What I want to know is who is your favorite modern American Pen manufacturer? My only modern American pen is My Bexley Corona, which I love, but I always want to hear what others think.

 

So, what about you? What's your favorite American Pen or Pen Company?

[anchorschmidt]

I haven't used any of these pens but Parker and Sheaffer are the ones that spring to mind. On FPN one hears so many good things about the Parker "51" and the Duofold is also a well regarded pen. I've also heard a lot of praise for the Sheaffer Prelude and the No Nonsense

[jar]

I don't think any Parker, Waterman or Sheaffer pens are still made in America and none of the three are still an American Company.

 

Some Cross pens may still be made in the USA but I am not sure.

 

Bexley, Franklin Christoph, Edison are three USA pen manufacturers that come to mind.

[professionaldilettante]

I don't know. Edison's pens look nice, but a big majority of US pens, at least in my opinion, are . The heritage of excellence has been lost to many cases of corporate greed. I'm sure that not all US pens are like that, but for the majority, the US isn't known for manufacturing any more. I don't even know if any US company even manufactures their own nibs in house, nothing like Pelikan or Pilot, who manufactures everything for themselves.

[OakIris]

My favorite American (USA) made pens are Parkers and Sheaffers, but you were asking about modern American pens, presumably those that are still made here in the USA by USA companies. Parker is still owned by an American company I suppose,(Newell Rubbermaid,) but it is now based in England. Sheaffer is owned by another American company, BIC, but Bic closed the Fort Madison manufacturing plant in 2006 (?) and their pens are now made cobbled together with parts made in different countries.

 

Cross Pens are now made in China. Waterman USA no longer exists; Waterman is now a French company.

 

You see where we are going with this... With a few exceptions, such as the companies mentioned by jar and professionaldilettante, if you want a good American (USA) made pen, you need to go vintage, not modern.

 

Holly

Edited March 29, 2012 by OakIris

[robofkent]

My favorite American (USA) pens are Parkers and Sheaffers, but you were asking about modern American pens, presumably those that are still made here in the USA by USA companies. Parker is still owned by an American company I suppose,(Newell Rubbermaid,) but it is now based in England. Sheaffer is owned by another American company, BIC, but Bic closed the Fort Madison manufacturing plant in 2006 (?) and their pens are now made cobbled together with parts made in different countries.

 

Cross Pens are now made in China. Waterman USA no longer exists; Waterman is now a French company.

 

You see where we are going with this... With a few exceptions, such as the companies mentioned by jar and professionaldilettante, if you want a good American (USA) made pen, you need to go vintage, not modern.

 

Holly

 

Parker is no longer even in England - it is now in France. The English factory shut down a couple of years ago and the higher end pens are now manufactured at Waterman's French factory and the lower end in China.

 

My favourite American pen is the Sheaffer Imperial II Deluxe

Edited March 29, 2012 by robofkent

[dspeers58]

Tie between Bexley and Edison

[threeamigos]

Bexley makes a great pen with a great variety of styles.

[OakIris]

 

Parker is no longer even in England - it is now in France. The English factory shut down a couple of years ago and the higher end pens are now manufactured at Waterman's French factory and the lower end in China.

 

My favourite American pen is the Sheaffer Imperial II Deluxe

Guess I am always behind the times! Thank you for that info, Rob.

 

I don't have a Sheaffer Imperial, just some Sheaffer Targas, but the Imperial is on my wish list.

 

Holly

Edited March 29, 2012 by OakIris

[cellmatrix]

I don't know. Edison's pens look nice, but a big majority of US pens, at least in my opinion, are . The heritage of excellence has been lost to many cases of corporate greed. I'm sure that not all US pens are like that, but for the majority, the US isn't known for manufacturing any more. I don't even know if any US company even manufactures their own nibs in house, nothing like Pelikan or Pilot, who manufactures everything for themselves.

No nib manufacturers left in the US? Thats sad

Edited March 29, 2012 by cellmatrix

[tricnomistal]

Well,isn't this a bit depressing? I didn't know there were so few modern American Pen companies... But like I said, I do like my Bexley And though I've never tried an Edison, I think they are pretty pens and have heard good things. Franklin Christoph is a brand I've never hear od, but their pens look nice from a quick scan of their website.

 

I guess I should just be happy that there are still a few American pen manufacturers left. Perhaps I'll put a higher end Bexley or find an Edison to put on my pen cue...

[tricnomistal]

I don't know. Edison's pens look nice, but a big majority of US pens, at least in my opinion, are . The heritage of excellence has been lost to many cases of corporate greed. I'm sure that not all US pens are like that, but for the majority, the US isn't known for manufacturing any more. I don't even know if any US company even manufactures their own nibs in house, nothing like Pelikan or Pilot, who manufactures everything for themselves.

 

This is sad, but the general consensus from what I've found. On the other hand, my Bexley does write quite nicely-- at least in comparison to my Waterman Phileas and my Pelikan m150. Both of which are nice pens for the price.

[tricnomistal]

Woops. I forgot to ad Gate City Pens. I have never tried them, but I know they are made in America and I've heard good things.

[terminal]

Michael's Fat Boy pens are still made in the U.S. I believe the nibs are just good ol' Bock though.

 

 

http://www.michaelspens.com/fatboytshirts.html

 

I have one of their ballpoints here. It's unique for sure. HEAVY. Meh, idk.

 

Bexley maybe just because they are competitive.

[tricnomistal]

Michael's Fat Boy pens are still made in the U.S. I believe the nibs are just good ol' Bock though.

 

 

http://www.michaelspens.com/fatboytshirts.html

 

I have one of their ballpoints here. It's unique for sure. HEAVY. Meh, idk.

 

Bexley maybe just because they are competitive.

 

Hmm... I'd never heard of them before...

[nitnop]

I bought a Bexley Jitterbug. I really like it. It is a big nib for such a little pen. I am buying a Fat Boy rollerball for my son,s birthday. He really liked the looks of them, but didn't want to spend the money. I think he'll be surprised.

[Azuniga]

Woops. I forgot to ad Gate City Pens. I have never tried them, but I know they are made in America and I've heard good things.

 

Well Gate City Pens are great !, I have been using New Dunn and New Postal and I am very pleased with them....

[terminal]

I bought a Bexley Jitterbug. I really like it. It is a big nib for such a little pen. I am buying a Fat Boy rollerball for my son,s birthday. He really liked the looks of them, but didn't want to spend the money. I think he'll be surprised.

 

Are you getting him a fountain? I'd be very interested to hear what you and he think. I've been considering getting one, but it's hard w/o trying it out or hearing any reviews.

[nitnop]

Are you getting him a fountain? I'd be very interested to hear what you and he think. I've been considering getting one, but it's hard w/o trying it out or hearing any reviews.

 

 

I,m working on that.

He has a Safari that he really likes, but usees a bp at work.

[OakIris]

Well,isn't this a bit depressing? I didn't know there were so few modern American Pen companies... But like I said, I do like my Bexley And though I've never tried an Edison, I think they are pretty pens and have heard good things. Franklin Christoph is a brand I've never hear od, but their pens look nice from a quick scan of their website.

 

I guess I should just be happy that there are still a few American pen manufacturers left. Perhaps I'll put a higher end Bexley or find an Edison to put on my pen cue...

I agree, it is depressing. When you see all of the wonderful pens that used to be made here and think of all of the skilled craftspeople that were involved in making them, it is indeed very sad to realize all that we have lost.

 

I haven't had the chance to check out the pens by the currently manufacturing USA companies that others have identified in this thread; sounds as if they are good possibilities. I hope you find one that will meet your needs, besides the Bexley that you already have.

 

Holly