Your Pen/ink Combinations For The Perfect Writing Experience

[truthpil]

 

Well that's fantastic news!!!

 

She was always exact on what I needed. I look forward to hearing about the results : )

Me too, I guarantee at least 2 of the 5 pens will make it onto this thread.

Unfortunately I won't be able to try them until I visit the States in July.

[IndigoBOB]

Me too, I guarantee at least 2 of the 5 pens will make it onto this thread.

Unfortunately I won't be able to try them until I visit the States in July.

 

: (

[truthpil]

 

: (

Seriously...

One of the beauties Linda cleaned up and tuned for me is a UK Parker 51 with a wonderfully soft and wet original OB cursive italic nib.

[IndigoBOB]

Seriously...

One of the beauties Linda cleaned up and tuned for me is a UK Parker 51 with a wonderfully soft and wet original OB cursive italic nib.

 

 

Oh wow, that sounds like quite a special order right there : )

[truthpil]

One of my favorite pen/ink combinations is Diamine Oxblood in a Clear TWSBI Eco. When the ink level is low enough to see the color it looks really pretty, especially with the red TWSBI logo.

 

Sorry I missed your post earlier! What nib do you prefer for your twsbi/oxblood combination? Other than the look of the ink, what makes the writing experience so enjoyable for you?

 

 

A 309 is definitely in my future, yet most assuredly the nib will be swapped. The stock nibs are designed for writing Chinese characters which require somewhat dry flow and feedback. One of my bliss combinations is a 308 with 1.1 Goulet stub. Note: the stub nibs will fit in the 308 without being pushed around like longer nibs are.

Realizing that all the solid colored 309s are quickly disappearing, I finally ordered the last Southshore blue version I could find(sadly the Galaxy blue model sold out long ago). Looking forward to plopping a JoWo nib in it and finding more bliss. Edited May 10, 2018 by TruthPil

[Gasquolet]

 

Although I've read on here of Kaweco nibs being hit or miss, my Classic Sport with EF nib has always been an excellent writer. Mine writes wet (true Western EF line width) and very smooth with most inks. The pens were definitely designed for a compact but excellent writing experience.

I've had the same problem with TWSBI caps when trying to use them for EDC, Kaweco Sports are definitely a superior design for the purpose, although I wish they held more ink. Maybe that's a good excuse to get a vintage piston-filler Kaweco Sport.

 

I have a bit of a love for those too. Just for fun here's a photo of a few nice oldies I had inked at the same time, posted elsewhere a while ago to illustrate some older broad lines.

 

The Kaweco is a Sport 12G. It holds a good bit of ink for such a tiny pen (smaller than a modern Sport) but that ink doesn't last long with the nib, it can really put some ink on the page. Fantastic pen though and I highly recommend getting one if you can.

 

 

[Bo Bo Olson]

If I didn't say so, writing is 1/3 nib width/flex, 1/3 paper, 1/3 ink and in that order.

Both the first two, will make a huge difference to the ink with good to better papers.

[truthpil]

 

I have a bit of a love for those too. Just for fun here's a photo of a few nice oldies I had inked at the same time, posted elsewhere a while ago to illustrate some older broad lines.

 

The Kaweco is a Sport 12G. It holds a good bit of ink for such a tiny pen (smaller than a modern Sport) but that ink doesn't last long with the nib, it can really put some ink on the page. Fantastic pen though and I highly recommend getting one if you can.

 

 

 

Now you're talking! Thanks to Bo Bo's tutelage, vintage OBBs are dream writers and destined to ruin my finances.

I have an OBB 400, but the nib needs tuning. I need to hunt down those other two pens....they are exactly what I'm after, along with a Soennecken someday.

Just looking at that wet and stubby Kaweco nib makes me drool.

[truthpil]

Here's my latest contribution to the insanity... it arrived earlier this week after over a year of hunting for one that wasn't damaged.

 

Although I wish the nib had sharper corners and a little more flex to make better line variation, this pen just feels amazing to write with. No matter how fast I write, I get a clean saturated line with perfect control at all times. Another winner from Pelikan.

 

 

 

[mana]

#1 : Vintage Pelikans (100N/400/400NN) + wider nibs (B/BB/BBB) + Pelikan 4001 inks (esp. loving a combo of BB & Turquoise).

[truthpil]

#1 : Vintage Pelikans (100N/400/400NN) + wider nibs (B/BB/BBB) + Pelikan 4001 inks (esp. loving a combo of BB & Turquoise).

 

Yes, yes, yes! Those are the best combinations I've ever tried, although I'd include some Sailor inks as well.

 

I've got a question about the 100N. I love my 400s, but the 140 seems to be just exactly the wrong size so that the side of my hand can occasionally push the cap up when posted. If that's a problem with the 140, would it also be a problem with the 100N?

 

I have a 100N nib on one of my 400s and it's so ridiculously flexible that I'd like to actually get some 100Ns if there isn't that problem with the cap for me.

Edited May 18, 2018 by TruthPil

[mana]

Well... the 100N posts higher, here is a shot of the 100N & 140 side by side (hope that is of help). I can post a comparison with a 400NN too if that helps.

Edited May 20, 2018 by mana

[truthpil]

That is extremely helpful and answers my question exactly. Thanks so much!

The slightly higher posting means the cap wouldn't rub the side of my hand like it does with the 140.

 

It looks like a couple 100Ns will be in my future, once the wallet and wife allow.

 

Do you prefer 14k or CN nibs for the 100N?

I have a 100N CN nib in one of my 400s and it is a "wet noodle" broad that feels like writing with a paintbrush, but the tipping isn't in great shape so there's more feedback than I'd like.

[mana]

Rough nib/feedback: Well that can be sorted out by smoothing it (you can do it yourself with a set of Micromesh pads).

 

I haven't had any CN (Chromium Nickel) 100N nibs (I think) but I have had some experience with more modern Pelikan steel nibs (M200) to compare with.

 

As for 100N nibs go I currently have a pretty complete set of 100N with 14k (script) nibs from EEF to BBB. I have also one later chevron nib (with cuts for that nib removal thingy in the collar) but that is a surplus at the moment. No obliques though which is kind of funny... considering that somewhere along the line I managed to score two spades (BB/BBB). They are way too wide for generic, everyday use. Very much fun though, like ridiculously so.

For the 400NN/500NN I have an OF, M and an M that I ground to a stubby vintage B (currently my favorite nib, it is just dreamy, incredible flow, just the right amount of line variation and feedback). The OF is in a 400NN Tortoise (it is the smoothest of the nibs I currently have) and the homebrew B is in a green striped 400NN.

The M is in a 500NN but I do not use that because of the cap, it dings so easily (I practically hate all of the all metal caps although they do look might nice when minty).

Also, that nib is just plain effin boring, I mean seriously, what is with the blobby nibs...

Currently waiting for a 14k script nibbed 400 Tortoise in BB.... that should be fun. Might also pull the trigger on a green striped 400 with a chevron BB nib.

[truthpil]

Rough nib/feedback: Well that can be sorted out by smoothing it (you can do it yourself with a set of Micromesh pads).

 

I haven't had any CN (Chromium Nickel) 100N nibs (I think) but I have had some experience with more modern Pelikan steel nibs (M200) to compare with.

 

As for 100N nibs go I currently have a pretty complete set of 100N with 14k (script) nibs from EEF to BBB. I have also one later chevron nib (with cuts for that nib removal thingy in the collar) but that is a surplus at the moment. No obliques though which is kind of funny... considering that somewhere along the line I managed to score two spades (BB/BBB). They are way too wide for generic, everyday use. Very much fun though, like ridiculously so.

 

For the 400NN/500NN I have an OF, M and an M that I ground to a stubby vintage B (currently my favorite nib, it is just dreamy, incredible flow, just the right amount of line variation and feedback). The OF is in a 400NN Tortoise (it is the smoothest of the nibs I currently have) and the homebrew B is in a green striped 400NN.

 

The M is in a 500NN but I do not use that because of the cap, it dings so easily (I practically hate all of the all metal caps although they do look might nice when minty).

 

Also, that nib is just plain effin boring, I mean seriously, what is with the blobby nibs...

 

Currently waiting for a 14k script nibbed 400 Tortoise in BB.... that should be fun. Might also pull the trigger on a green striped 400 with a chevron BB nib.

 

All I can say is, wow, you are my vintage Pelikan hero!

 

I totally agree with you about those blobby nibs.

 

Vintage OB and OBB nibs are perfect for my daily journaling and any personal correspondence.

I can still manage to use them with my passport-sized fauxdori traveler if I use more abbreviations for notes.

 

What's your preferred way to hunt down these pens? Ebay has been really hit or miss for me.

Edited May 20, 2018 by TruthPil

[mana]

Ebay

 

 

All I can say is, wow, you are my vintage Pelikan hero!

 

Well, I do likes my vintage Pelikans (and Parker 51s too). You can never have too many of any of those... They just tick all the boxes for me, wonderfully designed, highly functional utilitarian tools which look good to boot and are a pleasure to use. Nothing about them that I do not love. Well, I wish they were more readily available though, now it is kind of a treasure hunt.

 

What's your preferred way to hunt down these pens? Ebay has been really hit or miss for me.

 

Hmmm, ebay & other more local online auction sites (for example huuto.net here in Finland), Facebook groups/pages, flea markets, open air car boot sales... posting WTB ads on classifieds has worked too. So yeah, pretty much anywhere and everywhere I go (or am). Finds can range from a 3€ BB stub Parker 51 Aerometric to almost market price purchases. Being active and keeping your eyes peeled and your ears open helps.That said, it will not be a fast route unless you are willing to spend a lot of money.

Getting to my current core collection of about 14 vintage collector grade Pelikans including nine post war 100N/101N, and six or so Parker 51s, mostly Aerometrics, has taken me a while... like years and years as I usually do not want to pay market prices. The one time I actually did I got a lemon and this was from a "reputable" seller! A Pelikan 100N which had serious brassing but the seller had polished the metal parts so that it was not apparent from the pics, no mention of that either in the description... That burnt me a bit.

I have accumulated a bunch of other pens too. Nowadays I concentrate my efforts online, look for mint/NOS pens with an eye on chance winners, bargains and beaters which could be refurbished to either user grade and up condition or used for spare parts. But yeah, where to look for... it really varies. Cast your nets wide.

Edited May 20, 2018 by mana

[truthpil]

Ebay

 

 

Hmmm, ebay & other more local online auction sites (for example huuto.net here in Finland), Facebook groups/pages, flea markets, open air car boot sales... posting WTB ads on classifieds has worked too. So yeah, pretty much anywhere and everywhere I go (or am). Finds can range from a 3€ BB stub Parker 51 Aerometric to almost market price purchases. Being active and keeping your eyes peeled and your ears open helps.That said, it will not be a fast route unless you are willing to spend a lot of money.

 

Getting to my current core collection of about 14 vintage collector grade Pelikans including nine post war 100N/101N, and six or so Parker 51s, mostly Aerometrics, has taken me a while... like years and years as I usually do not want to pay market prices. The one time I actually did I got a lemon and this was from a "reputable" seller! A Pelikan 100N which had serious brassing but the seller had polished the metal parts so that it was not apparent from the pics, no mention of that either in the description... That burnt me a bit.

 

I have accumulated a bunch of other pens too. Nowadays I concentrate my efforts online, look for mint/NOS pens with an eye on chance winners, bargains and beaters which could be refurbished to either user grade and up condition or used for spare parts. But yeah, where to look for... it really varies. Cast your nets wide.

 

Thanks for the advice. Vintage pen hunting is indeed a gamble; I just hope it evens out in the long run.

 

Today's blissful writing combination goes to show that you don't need to spend much to get the perfect writing experience.

After a 3-month wait, my first AsaPens order arrived last week.

 

Here is the Asa Genius with a custom JoWo #6 1.1 oblique cursive italic by Pablo as fpnibs.com filled with Herbin Lie de The.

The pen cost $27 with free shipping and the nib cost about the same.

 

 

 

If you like italic-style line variation and butter-smooth nibs, then this nib pretty much turns any pen into an amazing writer.

However, this specific combination achieves bliss category for me because of how wonderful the pen feels in the hand.

The texture of the matte finish along with the wide girth and gentle taper of the section makes the pen just feel perfect for me.

The massive, long ebonite feed backed by a barrel full of ink (this is an eyedropper pen) also provides the right amount of measured wetness to let this nib reach full juicy potential.

 

 

[IndigoBOB]

I must say, as of recent, I have been quite impressed with my PenBBS 309, (besides the clip, which is OK).

 

I am loving it with a Jowo nib. I swapped in a Goulet nib (medium) and it remains in place without shifting around when placed in snugly.

 

The pen works great with Kiwa-Guro, which has been fickle in most of my other pens. No sputtering, full rich line, though tamed in width, provides that wonderful "Sailor Velvet" feel with the lubrication of the ink.

 

I let the pen sit around for weeks without use and had no problems with clogging or drying out.

 

I am confident with the 309 as an EDC. Solid pen regardless of the price, but a wonderful pen especially for the price. And if anything were to happen to it (lost, stolen, ect) it wouldn't be too much of a heartbreak for my wallet.

 

The 309 is one of those pens that keeps impressing me. And it's pretty amazing how Sailor inks can make a pedestrian nib like a Jowo out of the factory feel like it's tuned by a nibmeister. These inks allow me to create a superb writing experience out of affordable options.

[TSherbs]

"Perfect" combo?

 

Despite the nature of the question in the OP, my peak combo (no such thing as "perfect" beyond the fullness of the present moment) is sitting in the quiet writing a note to a family member or friend. I don't care about the tools much, as long as they are not an impediment. The "perfect" combo for me is connection in the moment. This transcends the pen, ink, and paper. When I forget the objects, that is when things are "perfect."

[truthpil]

I must say, as of recent, I have been quite impressed with my PenBBS 309, (besides the clip, which is OK).

 

I am loving it with a Jowo nib. I swapped in a Goulet nib (medium) and it remains in place without shifting around when placed in snugly.

 

The pen works great with Kiwa-Guro, which has been fickle in most of my other pens. No sputtering, full rich line, though tamed in width, provides that wonderful "Sailor Velvet" feel with the lubrication of the ink.

 

 

I'm so glad you finally found the perfect match for your Kiwa-Guro!

I wholeheartedly agree about the 309....now I'm just hoping they'll come out with more colors...even just a plan solid black one for crying out loud.

Recently a marshmallow pink version was released, so at least that means they are still making new pens.

 

I don't care about the tools much, as long as they are not an impediment. The "perfect" combo for me is connection in the moment. This transcends the pen, ink, and paper. When I forget the objects, that is when things are "perfect."

 

Your description is actually what many would consider to be the perfect writing experience. So my purpose with the OP was to seek a pen/ink/paper combination that is so "perfect" that you don't even know they are there and it just feels like your thoughts and ideas are magically appearing on the paper. Maybe another way to phrase "perfect writing experience" could be "transcendental writing experience."

 

 

I'm still working through the first fill with the AsaPens Genius + JoWo 1.1 OCI combination. The pen holds a TON of ink!