New 17 Year Old Fountain Pen Lover

[Jdp2496]

Hello FPN!

 

I'm a 17 year old guy from Michigan and I've recently become enamored with fountain pens. I've mustered up enough money to buy two Lamy Safari's (one of which unfortunately someone decided to steal from me at school) and a Joy with a 1.5 italic for calligraphy as well as a bottle of Private Reserve Avacado. However, I'm looking to buy another ink or two (probably more later on), and some other pens once I eventually get some money.

Since I picked up the first one a few months ago I haven't been able to stop writing. (An added benefit is that I'm writing more notes in class and actually enjoy doing so!) I always used to be that guy who had a ton of different pens, but I never really loved ballpoints because there was not too much special about them. Pens were a tool, that's it. A friend at school got a TWSBI mini as a gift for his birthday and he showed it to me and I have to say I thought it was one of the coolest things I'd seen in a while. I eventually gathered up enough to buy my first fountain pen (a Lamy Safari F for $20.) That's where it started. I bought another one which someone took, and a Lamy Joy for Calligraphy. As I mentioned, this is the only pen I use now. I am actually excited about writing things now because they are such a joy to write with.

I haven't really been able to explore many inks yet, but I have been perusing the index of inks for hours at a time looking at the hundreds of options. From what I've seen, I love colors that are quite unique and rich. I guess I fall on the edge loving bold and subtle inks for every day use. I love Avacado because it's a really unique color I haven't really seen before, and don't see around often. I'm currently eyeballing J. Herbin Bleu Pervenche. Would anyone like to suggest some inks and pens for me to look into? I'm currently saving up for a TWSBI mini and I'm only about 1/10th of the way there (hah). (If any of you would be so kind, I would greatly appreciate it if you had any samples or anything you would be willing to send! If so, I would be absolutely ecstatic, if not, I won't be disappointed.) Thanks for reading! I am looking forward to reading your responses and towards reaching my goal!

Best regards,

John

[Ghost Plane]

Welcome! I love wider stubs & BB nibs myself.

 

Take your time & work your way through the reviews. January usually brings good sales.

 

Herbin is a good, safe ink brand, but their colors are generally lighter than the swatches. If you haven't found Goulet Pens already, I recommend the ink comparisons on their site so you can see a wide variety side by side.

[Jdp2496]

Thanks Ghost Plane! I haven't had much experience with wider nibs yet, but I am liking the finer nibs for notes and every-day writing so far. I actually have watched countless GP videos already, and have been in contact with Brian asking him about which pen I should go with once I can finally save up enough. (That's why I'm eyeballing the TWSBI mini)

Edited December 21, 2013 by Jdp2496

[Ghost Plane]

Have a browse at Jet Pens, keeping in mind Japanese M is like Western F.

 

No affiliation & there are tons of other fine sellers you'll find in the Mall, Marketplace & Classifieds. Just off the top of my head for a student budget.

[Jdp2496]

I'll be sure to do so! Thank you!

[migo984]

I have sent you a PM (personal message)

[PAKMAN]

Hello and Welcome to FPN!! Glad to have you as a member!!

[Jdp2496]

Thank you migo984! Thank you as well pakmanpony!

[85AKbN]

Welcome.

[LYTH]

Welcome to FPN !

[Jdp2496]

Thank you v7ef44 and LTYH!

[bone215]

Good luck in your new hobby, fascinating times lie ahead. Welcome to FPN.

[Jdp2496]

Thank you bone215!

[Scribblesoften]

Welcome to the Fountain Pen World. Check out all the ink samples available at Goulet pens and isellpens.com. It is a good way to try out lots of new inks without spending too much.

[Jdp2496]

Thank you Scribblesoften!

[RMN]

Hi John and welcome aboard.

 

It is never safe to let your pens lying around, especially "nice" pens. as there are always people who think these pens are better of in their pockets, or people who are careless and cause the pens to drop and break.

 

The only good place is in your shirtpocket. or such place.

 

 

Enjoy the forum

 

D.ick

[Jdp2496]

Thank you, I quickly learned that, Dick. I had left the pen in my pencil pouch on my desk and it disappeared. I only had it for a few days, too!

[Sasha Royale]

Welcome, John !

 

$20 was a great deal on a LAMY Safari. It is an excellent and durable fountain pen. Used ones are likely to be in very good condition. The nibs are changeable, so trying them does not require a new pen with each.

 

Getting one Safari stolen is unfortunate, but not a very expensive lesion, if it is learned.

 

Write down what you like about your LAMY Safari. What would you change about it ? This will help you choose your next fountain pen. No hurry. Fountain pens are not going to vanish, and there remains a lifetime to pursue bankruptcy.

 

Write with joy.

[MisterBoll]

Welcome John. You'll find lots of good information and people here.

 

Of course, now you'll have to get lots of pens and inks!

[notVirtuThe3rd]

Hi! Welcome to FPN.
I'm really glad you've joined us.

 

Have a good day,
Kota Adachi

 

From Japan