How Much Does This Worth¿

[ethernautrix]

I use a loud, charlatan voice and say, "Eight! THOUUUUUSAND! Dollars!"

[dcwaites]

"The pen? A few tens of dollars.

The ink in it, though, is unique*, and probably worth more per ml than your wife's most expensive Chanel perfume..."

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Generally because it is a random mix of inks in the converter that I couldn't duplicate in a million years, but don't tell the unwashed masses that.

[swordofthedove]

Depends who's asking. If I can use it as a way to get people excited about it, I try that. Most people get excited about vintage pen, and the price just shows people that own collecting is actually a thing. The most common question I get, though, is "how can you write with that?" To which I usually answer that is more comfortable than whatever they're using, and if it's a pen with a steel nib, I let them try it out.

[Gudi]

The only time it happened to the point of annoying me, I was carrying a Jinhao x450 and I answered "less than you think", then I told the truth and how to buy one. For some reason people were more impressed by the Jinhao than my other pens. No one asks me how much a cost a Twsbi Eco (maybe because it looks like a toy).

 

Back from the digression, whenever I don't want to answer this question I just say it's an antique pen. For some reasons this answer seems to satisfy people, but i really don't know why.

 

Edited to correct a typo.

Edited March 6, 2017 by Gudi

[Manalto]

...whenever I don't want to answer this question I just say it's an antique pen. For some reason this answer seems to satisfy people, but i really don't know why.

 

 

That's good. I think it's called deflection. "It was a gift" or "I got it on a trip" or "I've had this for years" would all probably throw the questioner sufficiently off track as well. It's not that I wish to rebuff people who ask about fountain pens (quite the contrary), I'm just not thrilled with those whose initial question is dollar value.

[Manalto]

The most common question I get, though, is "how can you write with that?"

 

I hear that too, and it's funny because that's what EVERYBODY used not that long ago. It's a similar reaction to the one I get when I mention straight razors. You'd think I was trying to shave with a chain saw in the back of a pick-up going 70 down a dirt road.

[Gudi]

 

It's not that I wish to rebuff people who ask about fountain pens (quite the contrary), I'm just not thrilled with those whose initial question is dollar value.

It's the same with me. If I notice the person is curious about the pen I try to explain and help as much as I can. IMO the person that asks how much a pen costs is not thinking about buying an equal pen so I don't answer the question directly.

[BillH]

It's the same with me. If I notice the person is curious about the pen I try to explain and help as much as I can. IMO the person that asks how much a pen costs is not thinking about buying an equal pen so I don't answer the question directly.

 

 

Yes.

[Inky.Fingers]

i think thats the way to go.. @Gudi.

 

i will try that. "It is an antique pen."

 

and now the other problem.. of they asked to try it out or worst when they snatched it from my hands? need to direct them from writing from the back side, or side of the nib, and putting way too much pressure.

Edited March 6, 2017 by _InkyFingers

[redbike]

The only person who has asked about value is another FP enthusiast. Co-workers and friends have asked different questions about my fountain pens, but never this one. Interesting.

[Kelly G]

More than your ball point, less than that car (pointing to the most expensive car within sight). If they persist, I explain there are fp's available along that whole continuum and mine is closer to the bottom than the top, depending on the car, of course.

[Manalto]

How's this dodge?: "I'm so sorry, I don't speak a word of English." (or other language)

[Inky.Fingers]

thats great..and i think it would bring a bit of bitterness to me afterwards.

 

perhaps somehting that would make them inquire more on fp and perhaps use one?

[Bo Bo Olson]

"Sssh, Ï know where you can get one retail! I have connections."

Could be they will hear wholesale for retail.

 

My Doctor told me I had to give up 35 year old single malt, so I spent it on a fountain pen; . . . which is just as addicting.

 

The key to comedy is a three count pause before the punch line.

 

I don't have that problem living in Germany...even if it has been ball point for the last generation...on the whole.

Edited March 7, 2017 by Bo Bo Olson

[Gudi]

and now the other problem.. of they asked to try it out or worst when they snatched it from my hands? need to direct them from writing from the back side, or side of the nib, and putting way too much pressure.

For interested people I explain that no pressure is needed and that the misuse might damage the pen. Then I let them try (with supervision) if it's not an expensive pen. For the expensive ones, I explain that it's an antique pen and that I'll bring another one the next day for them to try (cheap Chinese pen). I had done it twice already.

 

Once one coworker took a pen to write a note. I asked him not to use it, said it was a delicate pen and offered him a ballpoint I had in my drawer. He understood and accepted the ballpoint without resentment as he really just wanted anything to write with. I must confess my heart skipped a beat, but in the end I believe I managed the situation pretty well.

 

Edit: after this episode I started using inexpensive fountain pens at work or pens I would not have a hear attack if the episode above happens again.

Edited March 7, 2017 by Gudi

[FOUR X FOUR]

As foretold, a maiden rose from the lake to present this to me, and ever since then Lizzie squirms in her seat whenever I take it out. She points and says "You don't really think that thing makes you King." But she still likes to stroke it.

That was over my head

[FarmBoy]

Jar is funny but JP Morgan had the right answer.

[TDSapp]

I have said something like this.

 

It's kind of like buying a car. Some cars go fast and cost more, some are slow and cost less. It all depends on what you want.

 

 

 

As for someone snatching the pen from your hand... Uhhh Heck no! No one should be snatching anything from you. If they do tell them to give it back and hand them a ball point. If they don't have enough respect for you that they snatch your pen out of your hand, they are not going to respect the pen either.

 

 

So I started using a FP a while back and just recently started getting more of them. My son, who is 23 now, ended up going out and buying himself a Parker pen and spent more on it than I have spent on any of my pens, a "Parker Secret Black Shell" from the Great Expectations line. He uses it at work and carries it in the neck of his collared shirts. After having a couple people ask to use his pen and reading about issues on here and the web he has started carrying a roller ball next to his FP. If anyone ask for a pen he grabs it and hands it over. So far it has worked for him with no issues.

 

 

 

Tim

Edited March 8, 2017 by TDSapp

[Inky.Fingers]

[TDSapp]

 

 

Well now you are showing off as my chicken scratch could never be considered nice penmanship.

 

But I have seen the other when working as a photographer when they see my camera and say that I must get great photos because I am using that camera. It's kind of like telling a chief that the food was delicious, they must have a great oven or skillet.

 

 

As for them wanting to use my pen. I tell them sorry but since I am left handed that if I let someone else use the pen it could change how the tip writes for me. Considering most people are right handed I have not had anyone pop up saying that it would be OK because they were left handed too.

 

Tim