What Pen Won't You Buy?

[Mech-for-i]

Basically any so call limited collectable edition of any normal production range unless its priced the same as that of the nominal catalog models. Not when the Mfr only change yhe color of the barrel or stamp something on it. I value genuine extras like say a different material or specialist nib but not those that just had a simple facelift

[Arkanabar]

Will not buy any more Jinhao pens. Will not buy anymore Noodlers pens. Both had bad experiences with these. Also cannot get around to buy the Lamy 2000 even though everyone says it's a style icon.

The Lamy 2000 IS an icon of Bauhaus style. Me, I'm not particularly impressed by or enamoured of Bauhaus, and the cap retention "ears" in the section annoy my thumb. The point is that you don't have to like it to recognize its importance.

 

As others have said, some pens are too big and/or heavy for comfort, and I'm not going to buy those either. And no pens with section facets, rubber section covers, or polished metal sections, if I can help it. Brushed stainless section is apparently ok (my sole exemplar is a Parker Vector calligraphy set, and way too skinny for my taste and comfort).

 

eta: I guess the number one rule is, if I think I'm not going to use it, I'm not going to buy it. And if I discover I'm not going to use it after I buy it, I can sell or PIF it.

Edited January 3, 2017 by Arkanabar

[Sandy Fry]

Fairly obvious but simple answer. I won't buy pens I don't like.

 

David

[Manalto]

The following are usually deal-breakers for me when considering a pen for purchase:

• Noodler's
• metal section
• skinny
• blue (especially with black)
• pink
• clear, colorless demonstrator
• heavy
• all gold
• "Dolphin" nib
• retractable nib
• pen-pencil combination
• eyedropper
• clipless
• have a cap shaped so that needs to be lined up for closing
• a pen whose purchase supports the Nazi regime (I'm surprised they're still in operation)

[jar]

I learned long ago to avoid saying I won't do something; history shows that is almost always a lie.

 

There are some pens I'm very unlikely to buy though but even there, I did recently trade for one that should be on the No Fly list.

 

I cannot imagine buying any eyedropper pens, any pens that have a shut-off valve, pens without clips or butt fugly ones. I can't see myself buying a pen where the nib will need adjustment after I get it. I can't envision buying any of the pens marketed as demonstrators. I really would be shocked if I bought anything from Lamy, Noodler's, Visconti or any of the Indian makers I've seen so far.

 

But as I said, reality says I'm likely lying.

[pajaro]

Wearever.

[cleosmama]

I am not a fan of metal sections, so I don't buy those.

 

I don't think much of Monteverde's pens; it's not the nibs but the build. The finishes on the sections corrode or peel.

 

Some pens I just don't see myself ever owning because of their price point, like a Montblanc. I know I could sell off some of the pens I currently own and start a fund, but I don't want to sell any of the pens I own (at least not now).

[siamackz]

A new MB146 or 149. I just don't see value for money in them.

[mcorrea]

I'm focusing on stub/italic nibbed pens, so that rules out 90% of the pens out there, so many brands today only sell F/M/B nibs!

 

Some brands I'm not interested in (at least today) are Montblank (I just don't see the value for money, I'm talking about new pens, though, some older MBs are quite attractive for me) and Lamy (the designs just don't speak to me). Faber Castell would be interesting if they sold italic/stubs, so many people talk about their nibs being so smooth, I'd like to try one, but I have not seen any stubs/italics.

 

Even though Urushi laquer is something I'd like to own at some point, maki-e pens don't really attract me as I'd be scared to use one if I did ever own it.

[drjmb]

1) I've had two of the same model (Jewelria) of Monteverde and a third which was an $150 pen (Invincia/Invicta(?). Won't ever buy another one. Also, the Monteverde new ITF ink (turquoise) is terrible. 2) Thin and/or metal grip sections. 3) Jinhaos. So far about 1 in 5 work properly. Great, cheap disposable pens but you have to go through a bunch to find the good ones. I've had over a dozen of five different models and only two were good reliable writers. I've heard, however, that a lot of the problems come from the converter and feed. Clean (not just rinse) the pen BEFORE inking. I've heard it helps.

[BCGGSM]

Any MB pens. 149 may be good, but I like M1000 better.

Any Indian pens, maybe except fosfor, which also seems highly unlikely at the this year or the next. Except fosfor, others seem substandard.

Clear or light coloured demonstrators. I like black/smoke demonstrator like Pilot custom 823 in smoke.

None of those noodlers pens.

TWSBI, not worth the trouble.

Cross, never liked the pens.

Jinhaos.

 

Have a few more, but can't remember right now.

Edited January 3, 2017 by BCGGSM

[pawnraider]

Montblanc pens. I've heard nothing but bad things about them.

[NinthSphere]

Fairly obvious but simple answer. I won't buy pens I don't like.

 

David

 

Pretty much sums it up. Tastes change, so what I don't like today may be in my cart tomorrow, but I won't buy today what I don't like today.

[carlos.q]

Montblanc pens. I've heard nothing but bad things about them.

You shouldn't trust everything you hear...

[TheGreatRoe]

Although I never made this a conscious choice, in the last year I seem to have drawn a accidental line in the sand:

 

I won't buy pens--or inks--from a company that spends time advancing a political agenda through it's products, when it is desperately in need of Quality Control.

[flipper_gv]

Anything above 5000$ (more likely 2500$, but I put the double just in case).

[Bluey]

-a pen that I already have, or that resemble any that I already have

-Montblancs - extortionately expensive plastic with a nib attached

-Viscontis - ditto. Plus their infamous QC issues that shouldn't even be hinted at such prices. These are the dumb blondes and meat-heads of the FP world - all show and no substance.

-pens with smooth slippery metal sections

-pens over 45g

-black pens - I have 3(for 2 of them which I wanted, I was offered any colour you like as long as it's black) and that's 2 too many

-too slim - none slimmer than a Pilot Custom 74

 

 

 

 

 

I won't buy pens--or inks--from a company that spends time advancing a political agenda through it's products, when it is desperately in need of Quality Control.

Sounds like it ends in "rs"

Edited January 3, 2017 by Bluey

[theoddcopy]

I can't bring myself to buy anything from Cross.

 

I'm sure they have good products, but I've only ever held a decent Cross product.

They've established themselves as a "gift" pen brand and so it seems all of their stuff is just made to look nice while not providing performance.

[WmEdwards]

1) Pens with metal sections;

2) Visconti until they repent, and get their QC act together;

3) Noodlers.

[TheRealMikeDr]

Clear Demonstrators. I just don't get it.