Ohto Dude - Good First Pen?

[danbuter]

I really like the looks of the Ohto Dude in purple, and it is very inexpensive on JetPens. Have any of you used it? How does it compare to the other popular starter pens like the Lamy and Pilot Metropolitan?

 

(I wish Goulet Pens carried this brand, as I have learned a lot from his videos. I do plan on getting my ink from him, at least).

[corgicoupe]

Consider a vintage Esterbrook. A single investment of $35 to $45 and you can then purchase various nibs to see what's best for you.

[merlinsfv]

Dan,

 

I have two dudes, one silver, one blue. They're perfectly serviceable, dependable, and are among my favorite travel pens. If i recall, they cost about the same as a Metropolitan, so were talking <=$15. Plus the Dude takes standard cartridges, so i don't have to carry proprietary carts or bottled ink when I travel.

 

I like the looks of the blue one better than the looks of my Metropolitans, its a very rich anodization.

 

The nibs are generic steel nibs, but there have been no problems. A little smoothing and a good cleaning before you fill it with your choice of ink, and you will have a nice pen that you enjoy using.

 

One caveat, IIRC the Dude does not come with a converter, so when you order your ink from Goulet, get a syringe and blunt needle to refill cartridges. I don't know if it will handle a normal sized converter.

 

Having a pen whose looks you like is an important part of the equation!

 

Enjoy.

[danbuter]

Thanks! I know several standard size converters are included with the Recommended Refills section, so I think it will be ok with one.

[chromantic]

I don't have the Dude but I do have an Ohto Rook compact and I'm quite pleased with the quality - solid, all-aluminum body, smooth F nib that seems closer to a Western .4mm than a Japanese .3mm.