Good Fountain Pen For Law School?

[krbmsw]

I'll throw one more into the mix...the Lamy Accent. I just picked one up for $64 on Amazon. It's a smooth medium that writes on the fine side. It doesn't get much attention here, but I'm loving it. I use it to take notes in psychotherapy sessions and the converter lasts several days (not as intense as Law school, I'm sure). It's professional looking but a bit rugged. It has a metal body but is not what I would call a heavy pen. It can also take all the safari nibs--so you have choices after you purchase it.

 

I also love the TWSBI and Pelikan. The Pelikan M200 is a it small for my hands for anything but light note taking. With the cracking problems I've had with my TWSBI barrels, I wouldn't buy it as the one pen I was going to rely on--even though mine has served me very well

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

Good luck in law school and enjoy the ride.

[Patrician]

International long cartridges hold exactly the same amount of ink than the Twsbi, 1.5ml. Pelikanos and Safaris are very reliable pens, plus don't crack not break.

[Nonsensical]

I'll throw one more into the mix...the Lamy Accent. I just picked one up for $64 on Amazon. It's a smooth medium that writes on the fine side. It doesn't get much attention here, but I'm loving it. I use it to take notes in psychotherapy sessions and the converter lasts several days (not as intense as Law school, I'm sure). It's professional looking but a bit rugged. It has a metal body but is not what I would call a heavy pen. It can also take all the safari nibs--so you have choices after you purchase it.

 

I also love the TWSBI and Pelikan. The Pelikan M200 is a it small for my hands for anything but light note taking. With the cracking problems I've had with my TWSBI barrels, I wouldn't buy it as the one pen I was going to rely on--even though mine has served me very well

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

Good luck in law school and enjoy the ride.

 

 

International long cartridges hold exactly the same amount of ink than the Twsbi, 1.5ml. Pelikanos and Safaris are very reliable pens, plus don't crack not break.

Yes, the TWSBIs have had barrel cracking issues in the past (I haven't experienced it, though), but the videos posted on their facebook recently have convinced me that cracking will never...EVER be an issue again. You need to go look at it if you haven't already. Just watching them makes me cringe!

 

International long cartridges do hold quite a lot of ink, however I'm not sure if a Pelikano is the look you would be going for in law school. Lamy Safaris do not use international cartridges either, keep this in mind. You would need to buy proprietary cartridges if you wish to use cartridges with a Lamy, and this will likely drive the cost of one up greatly in the longer run.

 

There are other great options for using international long cartridges, including pens such as the Waterman Phileas/Kultur (the Kultur has drying out issues, though), and the Phileas has been discontinued, and is therefore rather difficult to find.

[Patrician]

 

Yes, the TWSBIs have had barrel cracking issues in the past (I haven't experienced it, though), but the videos posted on their facebook recently have convinced me that cracking will never...EVER be an issue again. You need to go look at it if you haven't already. Just watching them makes me cringe!

 

International long cartridges do hold quite a lot of ink, however I'm not sure if a Pelikano is the look you would be going for in law school. Lamy Safaris do not use international cartridges either, keep this in mind. You would need to buy proprietary cartridges if you wish to use cartridges with a Lamy, and this will likely drive the cost of one up greatly in the longer run.

 

There are other great options for using international long cartridges, including pens such as the Waterman Phileas/Kultur (the Kultur has drying out issues, though), and the Phileas has been discontinued, and is therefore rather difficult to find.

 

They hold exactly the same amount than the 540 and more than the 530. And you can carry a bunch easily!. Everything is a matter of personal taste. Not sure a twisbis are the look for law school, lawyers should at least look reliable. Positive thought the new video is as convincing and realistic as the first one. Didn't you hear Kulturs have not drying issues, is just a problem of a few. Well, I haven't experienced it, thought. There are many pens out there, it depends of budget and taste. Safari and All Stars have a variety of finishes and for the budget are nice pens. Pilot 78G is very affordable. Reform 1745 a great pen at a great price.

Edited April 25, 2012 by Patrician

[comfortableshoes]

My partner just graduated from law school, she used a couple of pens through school- a Pilot Knight and a handful of Platinum Preppies. She did the bulk of her class notes on her laptop.

 

She went through highlighters like crazy. Her 2nd year I bought her a Platinum Preppy highlighter and a bottle of Noodler's Year of the Golden Dragon and Firefly, best purchases ever! She went through 3 replaceable tips, 2 highlighters, the whole bottle of Firefly (3oz) and 1/3 of the bottle of Year of the Golden Pig.

 

I wish I'd know about them before and had know about the Platinum Preppies when she started and bought them then.

[Ghost Plane]

JetPens.com has erasable highlighters if you have to sell books back. And Cash4Books.net buys used textbooks. Books were the highest ticket item after tuition back in my day.

[write to me often]

Great, lots of lawyers gathered under this threat

 

It was nearly 10 years ago but (I am not that old, I started law school when I was 17), when I was a law student, I remember taking notes for pages on and on... So you need a light weight pen with great ink capacity.

 

Therefore; I would recommend you Lamy or TWSBI 540.

 

You can use Lamy with cartridges and fill them with your favorite ink with syringe. They have big cartridges, so it should be enough at least for one day and you could always carry a regular unused cartridge as a safety. A yellow or turquoise Lamy would suit a law student I guess.

 

TWSBI is also a great pen with a huge ink capacity but there will be no spare cartridges on your bag.

[fabrimedeiros]

If you'll make lot of notes in class and-or at home, pick a piston fill pen like TWSBI 540 or the new Vac700 (will be available early may this year). TWSBI are great pens for the money and you'll have the BEST after sale assistence in the FP world.

[JML]

In the US, law school comes after 4 years of college, and after receipt of a bachelor's degree. Most entering students are at least 23 years of age, and many have worked for two years or more before starting law school. Most law students don't look anything like lawyers until the end of their first year, and only for an appellate moot court argument. Unless you're an evening law student, most of your peers will look like slightly older disheveled college students, who lack sleep and will soon need new prescriptions for eyeglasses or contacts because they read so much.

 

Get yourself a cheap pen you can write with for a long time, one you can fill easily, can replace when you lose it, and don't worry about your pen. If you do well in law school, and get a good job, then start spending on your hobby. After paying off your loans.

Edited April 25, 2012 by JML

[Nonsensical]

 

.......

 

They hold exactly the same amount than the 540 and more than the 530. And you can carry a bunch easily!. Everything is a matter of personal taste. Not sure a twisbis are the look for law school, lawyers should at least look reliable. Positive thought the new video is as convincing and realistic as the first one. Didn't you hear Kulturs have not drying issues, is just a problem of a few. Well, I haven't experienced it, thought. There are many pens out there, it depends of budget and taste. Safari and All Stars have a variety of finishes and for the budget are nice pens. Pilot 78G is very affordable. Reform 1745 a great pen at a great price.

 

The only problem with the Lamys, is as I noted above the grip, as well as the fact that proprietary cartridges tend to be more expensive, and due to the amount of writing done, it quickly adds up in cost.

 

I own several Kulturs myself, and have experienced the drying out issue personally. I tried to seal up the area on the cap that's causing this problem, but it's a pretty big hole (right under where the clip joins the cap).

 

The Reform 1745 is a great pen for the price, but is very slim, so I wouldn't recommend it for writing for extended periods of time, which is why I didn't recommend it.

 

Pilot 78Gs are great pens for the price as well, but the ink capacity leaves something to be desired- unless of course you use cartridges. The washed out black is not a great ink to use, and once again proprietary cartridges drive the cost up in the long run.

 

I own all of the pens mentioned (apart from the Phileas), but due to the issues that I've talked about, have eventually settled on taking my TWSBIs to class, rather than those. The ink capacity, combined with the fact that it is so comfortable to write with for extended periods of time make it worth that extra investment.

 

Aesthetically, the TWSBIs are quite pleasing, and if you get the Smoke version, quite understated. As law school students, I don't think there is quite a need to go for the whole MB pen look as of yet. Practicality over aesthetics for now. The Pelikano, however (I also own several of these- the older versions, which look much less childish than the current one) look a little too childish for a law student.

 

Since the OP seemed to be looking for a long-term solution, I still believe the TWSBI is the best option. If he's looking for a replaceable, short-term solution, I would recommend the Platinum Preppy- it's cheap, easily replaced, can be converted to an ED, but has cap cracking issues (which I have experienced, just once).

 

YMMV, of course.

[Patrician]

 

.......

 

They hold exactly the same amount than the 540 and more than the 530. And you can carry a bunch easily!. Everything is a matter of personal taste. Not sure a twisbis are the look for law school, lawyers should at least look reliable. Positive thought the new video is as convincing and realistic as the first one. Didn't you hear Kulturs have not drying issues, is just a problem of a few. Well, I haven't experienced it, thought. There are many pens out there, it depends of budget and taste. Safari and All Stars have a variety of finishes and for the budget are nice pens. Pilot 78G is very affordable. Reform 1745 a great pen at a great price.

 

The only problem with the Lamys, is as I noted above the grip, as well as the fact that proprietary cartridges tend to be more expensive, and due to the amount of writing done, it quickly adds up in cost.

 

I own several Kulturs myself, and have experienced the drying out issue personally. I tried to seal up the area on the cap that's causing this problem, but it's a pretty big hole (right under where the clip joins the cap).

 

The Reform 1745 is a great pen for the price, but is very slim, so I wouldn't recommend it for writing for extended periods of time, which is why I didn't recommend it.

 

Pilot 78Gs are great pens for the price as well, but the ink capacity leaves something to be desired- unless of course you use cartridges. The washed out black is not a great ink to use, and once again proprietary cartridges drive the cost up in the long run.

 

I own all of the pens mentioned (apart from the Phileas), but due to the issues that I've talked about, have eventually settled on taking my TWSBIs to class, rather than those. The ink capacity, combined with the fact that it is so comfortable to write with for extended periods of time make it worth that extra investment.

 

Aesthetically, the TWSBIs are quite pleasing, and if you get the Smoke version, quite understated. As law school students, I don't think there is quite a need to go for the whole MB pen look as of yet. Practicality over aesthetics for now. The Pelikano, however (I also own several of these- the older versions, which look much less childish than the current one) look a little too childish for a law student.

 

Since the OP seemed to be looking for a long-term solution, I still believe the TWSBI is the best option. If he's looking for a replaceable, short-term solution, I would recommend the Platinum Preppy- it's cheap, easily replaced, can be converted to an ED, but has cap cracking issues (which I have experienced, just once).

 

YMMV, of course.

 

Lamy Safari grip is ergonomic, i.e., designed to fit the Human Body, its movements and cognitive abilities. Twsbis's thick plastic round grip tires the hand in mid-long writing sessions.

The P.O. has budget of $30 to $50. There are plenty many suitable choices of reliable pens with a classic look. The Twisbi 540 range, however has a childish look if it ever was one; take you pink between transparent plastic in pink, greenish, etc. Reliability means performance. Several consecutive versions of leaking pistons, cracks anywhere in any version and nib transplants after being marketed as nearly indestructible may be ironic, but reliable and long term, is not. Pelikanos have a brushed ss cap, one of the better ss nibs around, and overall, a sober look with the logo of one of the best brands in the market ( obviously not a red remake of biohazard international one, but nobody's perfect). Takes international carts from many makers, and drinks from any bottle of ink. I'm surprised to read concerns about long term cost of ink from a member that imports Iroshizuku, Noodler's and other expensive brands in Australia. On the other hand, Smith markets 100 cart units for less than 10€ and 250ml bottles of Pelikan can be had for around 14€. The whole Law studies in a bottle.

Pilot 78g and a dab of silicon grease means many ml of ink, probably weeks of it if fitted with an f nib. The black finish ss hard to tell from an Elabo from a distance. It may not last forever, but so far, it has lasted far more than your recommendation.

Reform 1745 was made as flagship student pen for the European market of the 70's. A place and user segment that bought them by the millions given their ideal size, weight, ink capacity, outstanding nib and given how they have lasted to our days, lasting. Millions of users have bought them in places where they are actually & constantly used as writing instruments. Just like Pelikanos. There are several forum members that use the same Pelikano from back them. Not a bad investment, me thinks. In this decade several millions of students and not so young users have enjoyed one of the best nibs in Kultur, Phileas, Harley Davidson, etc. versions. As a matter of fact, the Kultur is the best sold pen in another of those countries where they sell and get used by scores.

Within budget and overall good pens, Parker 45's Inoxcrom Pura ( solid ss, good looks, epic nibs), Schneider EasyPen oversized ( a black fishing with a barrel that can guzzle a 30 ml bottle), and stretching budget to those $50, even a Sheaffer Imperial. The marketplace offers incredible deals today:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/classifieds/item/9071-parker-45-14k-fine/

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/classifieds/item/9070-sheaffer-imperial-circa-1991/

[Nonsensical]

 

.......

 

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.....

 

Lamy Safari grip is ergonomic, i.e., designed to fit the Human Body, its movements and cognitive abilities. Twsbis's thick plastic round grip tires the hand in mid-long writing sessions.

The P.O. has budget of $30 to $50. There are plenty many suitable choices of reliable pens with a classic look. The Twisbi 540 range, however has a childish look if it ever was one; take you pink between transparent plastic in pink, greenish, etc. Reliability means performance. Several consecutive versions of leaking pistons, cracks anywhere in any version and nib transplants after being marketed as nearly indestructible may be ironic, but reliable and long term, is not. Pelikanos have a brushed ss cap, one of the better ss nibs around, and overall, a sober look with the logo of one of the best brands in the market ( obviously not a red remake of biohazard international one, but nobody's perfect). Takes international carts from many makers, and drinks from any bottle of ink. I'm surprised to read concerns about long term cost of ink from a member that imports Iroshizuku, Noodler's and other expensive brands in Australia. On the other hand, Smith markets 100 cart units for less than 10€ and 250ml bottles of Pelikan can be had for around 14€. The whole Law studies in a bottle.

Pilot 78g and a dab of silicon grease means many ml of ink, probably weeks of it if fitted with an f nib. The black finish ss hard to tell from an Elabo from a distance. It may not last forever, but so far, it has lasted far more than your recommendation.

Reform 1745 was made as flagship student pen for the European market of the 70's. A place and user segment that bought them by the millions given their ideal size, weight, ink capacity, outstanding nib and given how they have lasted to our days, lasting. Millions of users have bought them in places where they are actually & constantly used as writing instruments. Just like Pelikanos. There are several forum members that use the same Pelikano from back them. Not a bad investment, me thinks. In this decade several millions of students and not so young users have enjoyed one of the best nibs in Kultur, Phileas, Harley Davidson, etc. versions. As a matter of fact, the Kultur is the best sold pen in another of those countries where they sell and get used by scores.

Within budget and overall good pens, Parker 45's Inoxcrom Pura ( solid ss, good looks, epic nibs), Schneider EasyPen oversized ( a black fishing with a barrel that can guzzle a 30 ml bottle), and stretching budget to those $50, even a Sheaffer Imperial. The marketplace offers incredible deals today:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/classifieds/item/9071-parker-45-14k-fine/

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/classifieds/item/9070-sheaffer-imperial-circa-1991/

First of all, I neither import Noodlers or Iroshizuku ink to Australia...I don't even own any Iro ink, precisely because it is so expensive. All my Noodlers Inks were purchased by my fantastic mother, during her business trips to the USA, and now that she has moved to another country for work, I no longer have the means to get any more. I really don't appreciate how you seem to be making this more personal, either...

 

Secondly, here is the link to the CURRENT Pelikano: http://www.gouletpens.com/Pelikan_Pelikano_s/985.htm

It is not really what I would expect the OP to be wanting.

 

Smiths may market those cartridges at around that price, but that cuts out the choice of a Lamy, as I've mentioned before. You are also restricted to a very generic blue, that is in most cases quite washed out- I own quite a few types of generic cartridges that were purchased from Germany and France. Once again, I did not import them to Australia, they reached me in the same way my Noodlers ink did.

 

Furthermore, I did not say that the Lamy grips were at all bad, I find them very comfortable, in fact. However, it has been an issue that's been brought up in threads. Some people simply have trouble with the grip.

 

I'm not sure what you mean with regards to the comment about the TWSBIs...I read it over several times, and still remain confused.

 

As for a Pilot 78G lasting far longer than a TWSBI, I personally have had issues with the section cracking on my TWSBI ROC 540, I admit. I have also received a replacement section, and have had no issues since. My TWSBI 530, on the other hand has been going strong for well over 6 months now. No cracking, nothing so far. My Pilot 78G, on the other hand, has been rather neglected. It's very light, and it just doesn't feel as comfortable to write with. Likewise with the Reform 1745, which has a fantastic nib, I'll agree. However, the pen body may have been very popular in the 1970s or whenever it was popular, but I personally have trouble writing with a pen that slim for longer than several pages.

 

The Waterman Kultur, as I said, is a fantastic cheap pen with a great nib. However, I have experienced drying out issues, and so have others. There is nothing wrong with mentioning issues such as these, to help the OP and others who may be reading reach an informed decision.

 

I will admit, the TWSBI is not perfect. Far from it, in fact. However, my recommendation simply comes from having experienced the need to write 30 pages a day, and realising that some pens are better built for that purpose, than others.

[Patrician]

 

First of all, I neither import Noodlers or Iroshizuku ink to Australia...I don't even own any Iro ink, precisely because it is so expensive. All my Noodlers Inks were purchased by my fantastic mother, during her business trips to the USA, and now that she has moved to another country for work, I no longer have the means to get any more. I really don't appreciate how you seem to be making this more personal, either...

 

Secondly, here is the link to the CURRENT Pelikano: http://www.gouletpens.com/Pelikan_Pelikano_s/985.htm

It is not really what I would expect the OP to be wanting.

 

Smiths may market those cartridges at around that price, but that cuts out the choice of a Lamy, as I've mentioned before. You are also restricted to a very generic blue, that is in most cases quite washed out- I own quite a few types of generic cartridges that were purchased from Germany and France. Once again, I did not import them to Australia, they reached me in the same way my Noodlers ink did.

 

Furthermore, I did not say that the Lamy grips were at all bad, I find them very comfortable, in fact. However, it has been an issue that's been brought up in threads. Some people simply have trouble with the grip.

 

I'm not sure what you mean with regards to the comment about the TWSBIs...I read it over several times, and still remain confused.

 

As for a Pilot 78G lasting far longer than a TWSBI, I personally have had issues with the section cracking on my TWSBI ROC 540, I admit. I have also received a replacement section, and have had no issues since. My TWSBI 530, on the other hand has been going strong for well over 6 months now. No cracking, nothing so far. My Pilot 78G, on the other hand, has been rather neglected. It's very light, and it just doesn't feel as comfortable to write with. Likewise with the Reform 1745, which has a fantastic nib, I'll agree. However, the pen body may have been very popular in the 1970s or whenever it was popular, but I personally have trouble writing with a pen that slim for longer than several pages.

 

The Waterman Kultur, as I said, is a fantastic cheap pen with a great nib. However, I have experienced drying out issues, and so have others. There is nothing wrong with mentioning issues such as these, to help the OP and others who may be reading reach an informed decision.

 

I will admit, the TWSBI is not perfect. Far from it, in fact. However, my recommendation simply comes from having experienced the need to write 30 pages a day, and realising that some pens are better built for that purpose, than others.

 

Reading several comments about those inks and your concern about the cost of ink was what raised the issue, nothing personal, just stating cartridges can be had very cheaply, and that most pens that use them can drink from ink wells as affordably as mentioned. Schmidt, my error, not Smith inks can be had in many colors, and that is just a maker. Siplec Eco Plus inks, 30 carts, 1€. 0,7mlx30 = 21ml of ink for 1€ (at today's exchange rate, $1,324) A pack of 25 long ones, 1,49€. Three versions, multiple colors ( brown, red, purple, maroon, turquoise, pink, green), royal blue, black. The 100 units, black or blue. For more variety, Pelikan, Waterman, Parker, Aurora, Lamy, Diamine, Sheaffer, etc. Generations of students made it with a bottle of Parker ink from the round the corner b&m. Lamy, sells carts and well among the most affordable in the market, and any ink can be used in their pens. The bottle comes for free with the ink, with a piece of blotting paper and all.

 

I'm also confused when I read repeated comments regarding that same pen, not sure why obviously non consistent with reality facts get automatically hammered time after time.

Kulturs are sold by the millions, I will admit no pen is perfect and some batches can have flaws. I hope it's nothing wrong with mentioning the relevant issues each and every update of the 530/540 has to help both the OP and the rest of members to take an informed decision, given the reactions some could draw the conclusion anyone who dares say so is hunted down as direct result.

No pen is perfect, that's why we all want more. Giving options and detailing weak/strong points is always helpful. My recommendation comes from over 60 pages per day through University and then work at a variety of environments, many in places where most around use fountain pens, and I admit it, believing a pen is a daily instrument that as to perform and do what is made for without pampering not excuses, at a reasonable price, looks and durability, and yes, there are many pens better built for the purpose than others. Those who work out of the box, don't break in their boxes not have to be constantly patched. Just my preference, though. Gladly, there are scores of simply good pens for those well earned $30.

[Patrician]

Still available almost anywhere. My fav is the blue finish.

 

http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s512/Patricianpics/PICT37769.jpg

http://i1055.photobucket.com/albums/s512/Patricianpics/PICT37769.jpg

 

From JetPens http://static1.jetpens.com/images/a/000/009/9243.jpg

[Snogcel]

Mswan, in what way is your Yafa pen disintegrating? I'm curious because I, too, purchased a Yafa at Office Depot (fifteen or sixteen bucks, as I recall), and it seems to be doing fine. I don't, however, carry it around, so it's not subjected to the sorts of violence which a pen stuffed in your pocket may encounter.

 

I also purchased a two-pack of BIC disposable fountain pens. I had to give them a try, and they seem to write well, start up easily in the morning, and are sufficiently cheap that they can be lost or lent without emotional distress. In this way you can keep your "good" safely at home or office.

 

Just my thoughts - carry on!

[Mswan]

The threads on the pen are busted, the grip is incredibly loose, the barrel doesn't fit the cartridge quite right. The problems with the barrel and the threads make the pen extremely leaky to the point where I can't use it anymore, too many stained pants. To be fair it has been a daily writer that I did not care for at all (same pocket as my keys etc.) Overall the pen was good for awhile, it made me want to only use fountain pens, but after extended use it has become unusable.

[Wjones7412]

I agree, you will need to take notes on laptop, its the only way to get what you need fast enough- and to figure out what you actually wrote when it comes time to study two months later... Also- you'll be able to type notes into your stolen outlines or your own prep materials. I gave hand writing in ink after my first semester.

 

I also advise getting yourself a second monitor for home- you'll be able to keep a case on one screen and your notes on the other- or you'll be able to keep your notes on one monitor and your outlines on the other. Its amazing home much more productive you will be.

 

AND you'll go through hundreds of highlighters....

 

When I was studying for the bar I found fountain pens. While in law school you are concentrating on concepts, not memorization. But for the bar you'll be trying to memorize as much as possible, and there's no substitute for hand copying for memorization. I was spending so much time writing that I decided to buy a fountain pen. Two years later I have a dozen or so.

 

I think you should consider getting a shaeffer imperial from peyton st. pens. They are really nice and really reliable. and really cheap.

 

Best luck!

[MikeC]

I know the OP has already gotten a pen, but I'm curious why nobody has mentioned Kaweco. The Sport is

- squarely in the sub-$30 price range, available from Goulet, Jetpens, or Levenger (although I think Levenger only sells the M nib)

- available in colors from conservative ("Classic") to flashy ("ICE")

- per a video on Goulet, easily converted to an eyedropper-style fill that looks like it holds a *cubic boatload* of ink

- per another video on Goulet, easily converted to other nib sizes

 

So I'm wondering, why no love for Kaweco on this thread? I don't own one yet, but am planning on getting one soon to add to my rotating cast of daily writers. Anybody have firsthand experience?

 

- Mike C

(currently rocking an older Retro 51 filled w/MB blue, though

I've decided this combo is just a bit wet for my taste)

Edited April 27, 2012 by MikeC

[Jimmy James]

I wouldn't recommend either a Kaweco eyedropper or a pen that is short international cartridge only to any student.

[MikeC]

I wouldn't recommend either a Kaweco eyedropper or a pen that is short international cartridge only to any student.

 

OK, but why, specifically? Are people down on Kawecos in general? They seem well reviewed on Goulet etc.

 

Agreed that being limited to short international cartridges would be a pain for a student who's taking notes all day, but have people had problems with the eyedropper trick? From the video, it looked like an easy way to carry a pretty impressive volume of ink...