Cross Bailey Fountain Pen For $10.89 At Staples

[DET]

Maybe this is an old deal, but I haven't seen anyone post it yet. Staples has the Cross Bailey fountain pen online for $10.89, in chrome, blue lacquer and black lacquer barrels. All have medium nibs, it seems. Here are links:

 

http://www.staples.com/Cross-Bailey-Fountain-Pen-Medium-Point-0-85mm-Chrome-Barrel-Black-Each/product_1104565

 

http://www.staples.com/Cross-Stratford-Fountain-Pen-Medium-Point-0-85mm-Blue-Lacquer-Barrel-Black-Each/product_1104553

 

http://www.staples.com/Cross-Stratford-Fountain-Pen-Medium-Point-0-85mm-Black-Lacquer-Barrel-Black-Each/product_1104554

 

I've never used a Cross fountain pen (this one or any other) myself. Obviously the price is nice, but anyone have any experience with these pens? Are they any good?

 

 

[O'Hare]

I have a Stratford and a Bailey. The Stratford writes well with no effort. I prefer fine points, so this medium nib is different for me. The barrel is light, which I prefer, but the cap adds so much weight that it seems unbalanced to me. When I post the cap, it wobbles, but because it adds more weight than I prefer I won't post it anyway. When the pen is capped, it's tight and needs a good grip to open it. If you prefer large, heavy pens, the Stratford might be too small and light because of the wobbly cap when posted.

 

The fit of the cap on the Bailey was so very tight that I might not keep it, so I haven't tried writing with it yet. I'm surprised at how tough it is to open and close. They're not exciting and I wouldn't pay $20 for either one, but so far I think the Stratford is OK.

[apestapatas]

I used to buy these before I was on this forum as they are the only pens I could buy without going to a pen store. I think they are okay. I have had issues with them leak and I cannot get the cap to stay on while I write. I like Jin Hao better, but that is just my personal opinion.

Thanks.

[Robert Alan]

Thanks very much for this alert. I bought two discounted Cross Bailey fountain pens at Office Max and have found them to be good. I have had no issues with the steel nibs or with the caps. They are sturdy, metal writing instruments and better made than the similar Cross Dubai fountain pens (same nib but mostly plastic construction). The Bailey takes the threaded Cross converter which works well although the it did not come supplied with the converter (just with one standard Cross cartridge).

/Robert

[DerTiefster]

Keeping this alive, many months later.....

 

My wife noticed a Stratford for $20 a month or two ago, and bought it to serve our clan's recent fountain pen fascination. We find it to write well. I bought one of the recommended converters (green?) and it works well, too. We like the pen well enough that I ordered two more for similar pricing, not being able to find them still at that price locally. I opted for more Stratfords rather than Baileys, because the relatively narrower (impression from photos) Stratford fit everyone's hand well. The cap is very tightly attached, almost distressingly so, but I've noticed nothing unpleasant about balance. The nib, being steel and modern is a nail-like stiff medium, but a smooth and pleasant writer. Some one of our number liked the (blue) one already in hand enough that it has wandered away. The two on order will stand in for it. When ordering a converter, the cost was largely postage. I ordered three, so we're covered there already.

[DerTiefster]

... I bought one of the recommended converters (green?)

Hmm. Uh-oh. Mistake. The converter that successfully mounted was the threaded, black 8756 converter. It says on its package that it fits Cross fountain pens "Except Townsend & Aventura"

Buyer beware, and don't listen to vague memories from others. I have now verified what worked: the 8756 converter.

[Ink Stained Wretch]

Keeping this alive, many months later.....

 

My wife noticed a Stratford for $20 a month or two ago, and bought it to serve our clan's recent fountain pen fascination. We find it to write well. I bought one of the recommended converters (green?) and it works well, too. We like the pen well enough that I ordered two more for similar pricing, not being able to find them still at that price locally. I opted for more Stratfords rather than Baileys, because the relatively narrower (impression from photos) Stratford fit everyone's hand well. The cap is very tightly attached, almost distressingly so, but I've noticed nothing unpleasant about balance. The nib, being steel and modern is a nail-like stiff medium, but a smooth and pleasant writer. Some one of our number liked the (blue) one already in hand enough that it has wandered away. The two on order will stand in for it. When ordering a converter, the cost was largely postage. I ordered three, so we're covered there already.

 

I bought a Cross Stratford from rakuten.com in late September. I paid $14.99 for it. Seemed like a good price at the time. I haven't tested it yet. Could I have gotten it for less?

[DerTiefster]

My November Stratfords via the auction site were $20-$22 each. Your $15 purchase seems like the best one could expect to do other than a business closing fire sale. And I'd rather see the businesses stay open.