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Purchasing A Smooth Daily Writer With Line Variation


BinaryRun

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Good evening,

 

I would really like to request your advice with finding the perfect pen for me. I'm not entirely sure what information would be helpful from me for you in order to give me the right advice, so please feel free to let me know if I miss out on anything.

 

What is my current experience with fountain pens?

I have no recent experience with fountain pens, I used to have a Lamy ABC in Elementary School.

 

What is your writing style?

I'm a left-handed underwriter (so no risk of smearing) and I often write while holding the paper between regular/straight and 45 degree angle. I like to write quite small (will attach an image), but on occasion I'd like to write some larger letters. Ideally I'd like to occasionally be able to do some 'brush' strokes, about 3-5 times the standard line thickness. I know that some call this soft-nib, semi-flex or flex. I hear all sort of terms on the subject. I'll attach an image of what I'd like to do with that as well. The image is with a Platinum 3776, that I tried locally, but it was too toothy and stuff for me and started railroading when I tried some line variation/semi-flex.

 

It might be good to note that I have oily hands, so the grib material cannot be slippery.

 

What pens have I tried?

So at a Dutch store I tried out and bought a TWSBI 580AL, however that pen was too slippery and ran constantly dry. It also didn't feel smooth enough for me and it was a 1.1 stub. Which I thought I'd like, but I cannot write small with it, after which I returned the pen.

 

After that I tried a Platinum 8776 in medium, which was too toothy and wide for me, but it did have an ok-flex for me, a bit more would have been nicer, but it started to railroad, even when going slower.

I also tried a Pelikan m205 in extra fine, it was a good writer, didn't try line-variation with it however.

 

My favorite of them all however was a Pilot 823 in medium, although a bit too wide for my tasting, the experience was amazing. It felt really smooth on various paper that I tried, even really cheap paper, it was such a terrific experience! Then the seller told me that it is $700,- in The Netherlands and I went home sad.

 

What kind of writing experience am I looking for in the pen?

I'm looking for a pen of any brand, that writes just as smooth as the Pilot 823, but also offers a decent amount of line variation. It important that I can write smaller with it, without the ink 'closing circled letters' into a blob, like with the lower case 'f' and 'e'.

 

What ink would you like to use?

I currently have my eyes set on Diamine Majestic Blue, Noodler's Apache Sunset and Noodler's Habanero

 

What paper do you have available?

I will mainly be writing on notepads and regular copy-paper, either 80g or 90g of no particular brand and the occasional thinner office paper of lower quality.

 

What pens are you currently considering and what is your max budget?

My max budget is around 450USD, although I prefer to stay under 400 as I also need to purchase ink and writing / maintenance materials.

 

The Pilot Custom 823. (Just worried about it's line variation abilities)

The Pilot Metal Falcon (Due to better ink capacity and looks then the regular one)

Pilot Custom 912 (Not a fan of the look though.)

Pineider La Grande Bellezza. (It was recommended by a CS member of Goulet Pens), however I'm not that sure about it as I read some issues about it's converter and scratching of the grib due to the magnet rotating cap.

 

The brand doesn't matter in your suggestions!

 

What kind of brands can we suggest, any other limitations?

There are no real limitations, aside from that that I'd like to be able to purchase from Goulet Pens as they have some of the other things like cleaning supplies and inks that I'd like to purchase and they offer good shipping to the Netherlands. So it's important that it's in their inventory. I would also really like a gold nib, because so far the gold nib pins that I was able to try out wrote much smoother and were more comfortable to me.

 

As mentioned before the smoothness, line variation and a nice wet flow are most important to me. The brand doesn't matter, it is about the writing experience. I'd like a pen that is well build. I'm currently 25 years old and I hope to still be using it once I turn 50. That is also why I've set a higher budget for myself for my first pen. I just need one workhorse, that I can use while working as a teacher (student), writing a lot, but still do the occasional 'fancy' lettering when I'm writing a quote or poetry that I'm doing in my spare time.

 

I really appreciate any tips that you can offer me. I've been personally researching for over 2 weeks now, but it isn't as easy as I thought I would be and I'm quite overwhelmed.

 

Attached you'll find a smaller writing example of mine as well as my Platinum 3667 test, which shows the kind of letters I'd like to make. (Although a bit more line variation then that is preferred.)

Edited by BinaryRun
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  On 9/16/2018 at 5:05 PM, LizEF said:

From your list, I'd recommend the Pilot Falcon.

 

Thank you. I'm still thinking about that pen as well. With the Pilot Metal Falcon, I will go with either the Soft Extra Fine or the regular Soft Fine. I think that Soft Extra Fine would be best for small writing as well as line variation, but I heard that the Extra Fine might want to havoc cheaper paper or at least won't be as smooth as the Custom 823 for example. What would you recommend?

 

And if it wasn't from my list, but any brand, would you still recommend the Falcon?

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  On 9/16/2018 at 5:19 PM, BinaryRun said:

Thank you. I'm still thinking about that pen as well. With the Pilot Metal Falcon, I will go with either the Soft Extra Fine or the regular Soft Fine. I think that Soft Extra Fine would be best for small writing as well as line variation, but I heard that the Extra Fine might want to havoc cheaper paper or at least won't be as smooth as the Custom 823 for example. What would you recommend?

 

And if it wasn't from my list, but any brand, would you still recommend the Falcon?

I have the SEF. It's extremely fine, but that's what I want. Using pressure to flex on crappy paper would cut into it, but I can't figure out why someone would do that. Writing with no pressure would be fine on any paper.

 

Without your list, I'd recommend trying some cheaper flex pens just to get some experience. Personally, I'd go with FPR flex pens, but there's also Noodler's. Vintage is another option.

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  On 9/16/2018 at 6:17 PM, Karmachanic said:

+1 on the Falcon. Other than the 912. I believe it to be the only non-vintage pen that will give you what you are looking for.

 

Here's a current thread on the Belleza:

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/336765-pineider-la-grande-bellezza/page-5

 

Thank you. I'll look up some more comparisons between the Falcon and 912. Although I find the Metal Falcon better looking then the 912, if the 912 is a better writer, then the choice isn't too hard.

 

Edit: Getting more and more excited about the 912 with the Falcon nib. It's getting interesting. Especially if it's a smooth writer. Thanks!

 

  On 9/16/2018 at 6:34 PM, LizEF said:

I have the SEF. It's extremely fine, but that's what I want. Using pressure to flex on crappy paper would cut into it, but I can't figure out why someone would do that. Writing with no pressure would be fine on any paper.

 

Without your list, I'd recommend trying some cheaper flex pens just to get some experience. Personally, I'd go with FPR flex pens, but there's also Noodler's. Vintage is another option.

 

Thank you for the advice. I'm not planning to flex on crappy paper indeed.

Edited by BinaryRun
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You mentioned wanting a pen that is not slippery. Your best bet (other than a pen with a knurled grip or something) is an ebonite pen; ebonite has a reputation for feeling good in the hand. Noodlers has an ebonite Konrad that has a flex nib (although it takes a fair bit of pressure to flex), and FPR has a number of ebonite pens such as the Himalaya and Triveni that are available with flex nibs comparable to that of the Noodler's Konrad. The Konrad is a piston filler, the Himalaya has a custom converter (so can't use cartridges) and can be eyedroppered, the Triveni takes Standard International cartridges and converters and can be eyedroppered. All three pens are available in the 30-40 dollar range. I have a Triveni (the older version with the #5 nib) and it's quite nice, although it can railroad without the right ink; probably because of the plastic feed. I believe the Konrad and Himalaya have ebonite feeds, which are reputed to be better for inkflow.

 

BTW have you considered a stub nib instead of a flex nib? I think they are easier to write quickly and still get line variation with. Plus it seems that it's just easier to get a good stub than it is to get a good easy-to-use flex nib. I mean, you'll probably get both eventually anyway, but starting with a stub is probably easier than starting with a flex nib.

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  On 9/17/2018 at 1:36 PM, SoulSamurai said:

You mentioned wanting a pen that is not slippery. Your best bet (other than a pen with a knurled grip or something) is an ebonite pen; ebonite has a reputation for feeling good in the hand. Noodlers has an ebonite Konrad that has a flex nib (although it takes a fair bit of pressure to flex), and FPR has a number of ebonite pens such as the Himalaya and Triveni that are available with flex nibs comparable to that of the Noodler's Konrad. The Konrad is a piston filler, the Himalaya has a custom converter (so can't use cartridges) and can be eyedroppered, the Triveni takes Standard International cartridges and converters and can be eyedroppered. All three pens are available in the 30-40 dollar range. I have a Triveni (the older version with the #5 nib) and it's quite nice, although it can railroad without the right ink; probably because of the plastic feed. I believe the Konrad and Himalaya have ebonite feeds, which are reputed to be better for inkflow.

 

BTW have you considered a stub nib instead of a flex nib? I think they are easier to write quickly and still get line variation with. Plus it seems that it's just easier to get a good stub than it is to get a good easy-to-use flex nib. I mean, you'll probably get both eventually anyway, but starting with a stub is probably easier than starting with a flex nib.

 

I have thought about a stub nib actually and owned one for a brief moment. It was a 1.1 stub from TWSBI, but I was unable to write small with it because of the loops in letters such as e and f would blend into each-other when writing small. About 50 minutes ago I actually ordered the Pilot Custom 912 with the FA nib together with some maintenance tools and ink that we do not have in Europe (Noodlers) and I'm looking forward to it.

 

You are totally right on that I will probably get more pens in the future and a stub might just be one of those. One pen at a time however!

 

Just quickly for those reading this, I've ordered the Pilot Custom 912. Any advice is still welcome for those who might have this same question in the future and I will try to let you guys know how my adventure goes once I've had some time with the pen.

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I think you should consider a vintage Esterbrook and add a selection of nibs for the various styles of writing you want to do.

Baptiste knew how to make a short job long

For love of it. And yet not waste time either.

Robert Frost

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  On 9/17/2018 at 2:47 PM, BinaryRun said:

 

 

Just quickly for those reading this, I've ordered the Pilot Custom 912. Any advice is still welcome for those who might have this same question in the future and I will try to let you guys know how my adventure goes once I've had some time with the pen.

 

Congratulations! here's hoping you have a long happy relationship :)

Add lightness and simplicate.

 

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I think Japanese EEF, would require 2015 eyes to see line variation...no a Honking Big Magnifying Glass and real fine $$ paper. That is western XXXF. :yikes: A needle point....with a needle point sweet spot.

 

Pilot makes a modified nib that is more flexible....ie semi-flex. The Falcon may be 'soft' but many say it is not semi-flex....with out a mod.

 

Cheapest and best buy in semi-flex would be a '60's Geha 790. It has three rings on the finial.

I've shown the picture a lot....should run E60....look up Geha 790.

 

I chase two toned shading inks...and find the regular flex to give best results and in M&F, (Japanese B&M) in semi-flex is a wetter nib...............you do have to have good to better paper. 90g laser is minimum IMO.

 

If you are going to go super skinny, you have to use vivid 'boring' :P supersaturated ink only to see the line well....and sheen will remain forever a mystery.

 

There is a fairly big difference, I think from 'soft' nibs...which as far as I know could be regular flex and semi-flex.

 

I don't have any Japanese pens, not even any 'soft' ones. I do have a lot of regular flex and semi-flex. ..................you know living in Germany I'd have to buy those Japanese pens new!!! $$$$$ :headsmack: :gaah:

I spent years buying very used pens....at a inexpensive price, nice semi-vintage and vintage . Buying new would have me in court with my wallet for Wallet Abuse. :bunny01:

 

There is a real Huge difference with Flex (superflex)...........if you want flex, buy an Ahab and have the Ahab mod done to it. You can do that your self if you have access to a Drimel or buy a round swiss file.

A replacement Ahab nib is very affordable, in the inexperienced can bend and mangle the hell out of a superflex nib,in most are Heavy Handed from ball point use.

 

Normally a Ahab is a very hard semi-flex....and spreading the tines 4-5X a light down stroke will make that pen work is real soon . But as a noobie, hard enough you['d probably not bend or spring the nib......many have started with the Ahab or it's brothers as their first superflex nib..

That would give you some time to get use to 'flexing' a nib before modifying it into a fun nib.

Having that Ahab mod, the pen becomes first stage of Superflex(easy Full Flex...the stage harder than a Wet Noodle) ...and a fun pen.

 

On second thought....many folks coming in from ball points are heavy handed, so a Soft Falcon might well be the proper choice.

Edited by Bo Bo Olson

The Reality Show is a riveting result of 23% being illiterate, and 60% reading at a 6th grade or lower level.

      Banker's bonuses caused all the inch problems, Metric cures.

Ransom Bucket cost me many of my pictures taken by a poor camera that was finally tossed. Luckily, the Chicken Scratch pictures also vanished.

The cheapest lessons are from those who learned expensive lessons. Ignorance is best for learning expensive lessons.

 

 

 

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I agree that the Falcon is the best choice. Nice gold nib with great line variation. Recommend trying it after the 912.

Edited by WLSpec
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Since no one has mentioned it, I suggest you look at the Pilot Justus. They are available with a number of textured finishes that might help with slipping. The 912 is a nice pen but mine is quite smooth. In the Justus softest setting you can see some line variation but no real flex. Good luck in your hunt and I hope you find the right pen.

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I hope your 912/FA works perfectly for you. Like SoulSamurai, above, I just wanted to revisit stubs for a moment -- whether as an alternative to flex, or as a complement. This thread has focused mostly on flex -- and for good reason, as the world of flex is a place of many delights -- but there are reasons not to write stubs off.

 

You're a lefty. I'm a lefty. It is entirely possible to do beautiful flex work from the left, but I consider it harder. As an underwriter, you have an advantage over me (an overwriter), but the pushing of the pen across the page, that we lefties all do as a matter of necessity, is less salubrious to flex than the righties' pulling action. Good flex lettering takes practised skill, regardless of which paw one writes with, but it's my view that doing it from the left is a somewhat greater challenge. YMMV.

 

You talk about wanting a daily writer with line variation. And, as you've addressed, above, another way to get that is with a stub. (...or with a cursive italic, but I find most cursive italic nibs cut too sharp, at the edges, to be really comfortable daily writers.)

 

A good stub is vastly forgiving for daily writing. It's especially forgiving to lefties, when compared with flex nibs. And just because it's a stub doesn't mean that it has to be wide. There are 0.6mm and 0.8mm nibs out there, stock from the factory, still being made. Of course, the narrower the stub, the less line variation, but that's a matter of personal taste.

 

If I've read the thread correctly, you mention that your experience with stubs is limited to the TWSBI 1.1. Despite loving me my TWSBIs, I'm not surprised you had a less-than-thrilling experience with the 1.1 as your first stub. It can be a bit tough to write with, and, as you say, it can feel a bit too broad for those who write small. So, why not try, say, a Nemosine 0.8 for even less than the TWSBI costs? It's not an outstanding pen but, assuming decent flow, it writes like a workhorse and will give you a sense of what a smaller stub can do. Or, if you want a fully customisable version, just by a Goulet 1.1, and DIY grind it to whatever width you want.

 

Just to be clear that I'm not living in a binary world, there are certainly many soft, springy (though usually not truly flexy) stubs out there. When I find one, I buy it. I like a bit of both.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if, as a lefty, you find you don't get a huge amount of line variation from the FA nib. Firstly, as has already been noted, it's not a true flex nib, in the first place. It'll give you line variation, but not in the way I fantasize about when I watch online videos of folks making their flex nibs sing Puccini. And, as a lefty, it won't give you much line variation with un-modified daily writing. I speak from experience, using my Falcon. I love it. It's a great pen. But I'd never advertise it as delivering flexy line variation in my daily writing.

 

You probably know all this. And, as I said at the beginning, I hope the 912/FA combination is a winner for you. If you still find yourself yearning for a certain something, however, you might keep your eye out for another stub to play with.

 

Happy variations! --h

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""""but the pushing of the pen across the page, that we lefties all do as a matter of necessity, is less salubrious to flex than the righties' pulling action.""""" :headsmack: :doh: Forgot about that.

 

The idea on Stubs if very good. The 0.8 is a good idea, in I find my 1.0 a tad wide. I do like wide nibs....perhaps a tad less than once.

 

One of the advantages to right handers of the '50-70 German stubbed semi-flex is what Huston so aptly stated, we pull.

 

I find modern obliques to have so little line variation, that IMO it is not worth buying....how ever there is a tad. That if you look hard for it, you can find it.

 

I have had a couple nail obliques. :angry: One I had PB turn into a CI. The other I sold. Neither had line variation. IMO They were just for those who cant their nib...........left hander? or left eye dominant so they can see the top of the nib.

CI's can be had where there is less than normal sharp edge and more than pure stub. Sort of half CI..half stub. CI is a compromise between sharp edged Italic and stub.

 

I have tried the Pelikan regular flex 200's Obliques. :( Even have a slightly springier W.Germany one.............but I am spoiled and right handed, with the Vintage '50-70 German semi-flex stub Obliques. That pull so nicely.

 

 

 

I really don't know enough about right footed obliques, and if they are as thought, better for lefites. Some say yes, others say no.

If some left handed underwriter could chime in on that? It could have to do with which of the 3-4 ways a leftie holds his pen.

The Reality Show is a riveting result of 23% being illiterate, and 60% reading at a 6th grade or lower level.

      Banker's bonuses caused all the inch problems, Metric cures.

Ransom Bucket cost me many of my pictures taken by a poor camera that was finally tossed. Luckily, the Chicken Scratch pictures also vanished.

The cheapest lessons are from those who learned expensive lessons. Ignorance is best for learning expensive lessons.

 

 

 

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1. Buy a Pilot 743 pen with an FA (semi-flexible) nib for around $217:

 

https://www.amazon.com/PILOT-CUSTOM-743-Black-nib/dp/B001AXB8ZM

 

51L62NzoeDL._SX569_.jpg

 

2. Make sure your Pilot 743 pen comes with a Pilot CON-70 converter. If it doesn't, buy one for around $8-$11:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Fountain-Pen-Converter-CON-70/dp/B001P35A6K

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMjAw/z/Mm4AAOSweW5U8~VI/$_35.JPG

3. Replace the plastic feed in the Pilot 743 pen with a third-party Ebonite (hard rubber) feed to improve ink flow. The replacement feeds are made in Texas by the Flexible Nib Factory LLC. One black Pilot 743 FA replacement feed costs $25. In my experience replacing the feed takes about 10-15 minutes and it is easy to do:

 

https://flexiblenib.com/store/product-category/feed/

 

PICT2568.jpg?resize=324%2C324&ssl=1

 

Here are my instructions on replacing the feed:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/339120-my-pilot-743fa-with-the-flexible-nib-factory-ebonite-feed/?do=findComment&comment=4098276

 

The black Ebonite feeds are $25 each while the red colored Ebonite feeds cost $40 each. The difference between the two is only cosmetic. Personally I think the red feed looks out of place on the black Pilot 743. Note however, there is a red version of the Pilot 743 pen available that would look great with the red Ebonite feed. But the red 743's are hard to find (hence more expensive), especially with an FA nib.

That's it. For around $250 USD (with shipping) you now have a brand new top-notch modern fountain pen with a truly functional semi-flexible solid gold nib (what a mouthful). Have fun with it...

Edited by Drone
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  On 9/17/2018 at 4:22 PM, corgicoupe said:

I think you should consider a vintage Esterbrook and add a selection of nibs for the various styles of writing you want to do.

I second that, and would recommend the 9128 nib for its ability to provide some nice line variation. It is semiflex however over time the flexibility gets even better. I have a pilot 912 with Spencerian modified FA nib and it writes great, however it’s finiky and it needs cleaning and small adjustments periodically to keep it writing well. In contrast my esterbrook 9128 needs almost no care and it keeps on writing wonderfully. Sometimes paying more does not mean getting more.

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If one is going to go semi-flex, the vintage Geha 790 is Best Buy for semi-flex at E60 or less if one Hunts on German Ebay. A very sturdy, well balanced pen. I have 3.

Vintage semi-flex Pelikan 400/400nn's run @ E100.

 

Of course if you push the Buy Now Idiot button...expect Stateside prices...of @$200 or more.

 

The seller must take Paypal and ship to the states. Some German sellers won't.

The unmodified Falcon is not semi-flex...from my reading, one that is modified is.

The Reality Show is a riveting result of 23% being illiterate, and 60% reading at a 6th grade or lower level.

      Banker's bonuses caused all the inch problems, Metric cures.

Ransom Bucket cost me many of my pictures taken by a poor camera that was finally tossed. Luckily, the Chicken Scratch pictures also vanished.

The cheapest lessons are from those who learned expensive lessons. Ignorance is best for learning expensive lessons.

 

 

 

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  On 9/18/2018 at 6:24 AM, Houston said:

I hope your 912/FA works perfectly for you. Like SoulSamurai, above, I just wanted to revisit stubs for a moment -- whether as an alternative to flex, or as a complement. This thread has focused mostly on flex -- and for good reason, as the world of flex is a place of many delights -- but there are reasons not to write stubs off.

 

You're a lefty. I'm a lefty. It is entirely possible to do beautiful flex work from the left, but I consider it harder. As an underwriter, you have an advantage over me (an overwriter), but the pushing of the pen across the page, that we lefties all do as a matter of necessity, is less salubrious to flex than the righties' pulling action. Good flex lettering takes practised skill, regardless of which paw one writes with, but it's my view that doing it from the left is a somewhat greater challenge. YMMV.

 

You talk about wanting a daily writer with line variation. And, as you've addressed, above, another way to get that is with a stub. (...or with a cursive italic, but I find most cursive italic nibs cut too sharp, at the edges, to be really comfortable daily writers.)

 

A good stub is vastly forgiving for daily writing. It's especially forgiving to lefties, when compared with flex nibs. And just because it's a stub doesn't mean that it has to be wide. There are 0.6mm and 0.8mm nibs out there, stock from the factory, still being made. Of course, the narrower the stub, the less line variation, but that's a matter of personal taste.

 

If I've read the thread correctly, you mention that your experience with stubs is limited to the TWSBI 1.1. Despite loving me my TWSBIs, I'm not surprised you had a less-than-thrilling experience with the 1.1 as your first stub. It can be a bit tough to write with, and, as you say, it can feel a bit too broad for those who write small. So, why not try, say, a Nemosine 0.8 for even less than the TWSBI costs? It's not an outstanding pen but, assuming decent flow, it writes like a workhorse and will give you a sense of what a smaller stub can do. Or, if you want a fully customisable version, just by a Goulet 1.1, and DIY grind it to whatever width you want.

 

Just to be clear that I'm not living in a binary world, there are certainly many soft, springy (though usually not truly flexy) stubs out there. When I find one, I buy it. I like a bit of both.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if, as a lefty, you find you don't get a huge amount of line variation from the FA nib. Firstly, as has already been noted, it's not a true flex nib, in the first place. It'll give you line variation, but not in the way I fantasize about when I watch online videos of folks making their flex nibs sing Puccini. And, as a lefty, it won't give you much line variation with un-modified daily writing. I speak from experience, using my Falcon. I love it. It's a great pen. But I'd never advertise it as delivering flexy line variation in my daily writing.

 

You probably know all this. And, as I said at the beginning, I hope the 912/FA combination is a winner for you. If you still find yourself yearning for a certain something, however, you might keep your eye out for another stub to play with.

 

Happy variations! --h

 

Thank you and everyone else for the extremely elaborate answers, I appreciate your fellow lefty experiences. I have the pen now for about 2 days, but I decided about one hour ago that it is going back across the Atlantic. I asked the store to pen-test it for railroading, but it does, especially on Rhodia paper, but on other paper like Clairefontaine as well. The FA nib may not be a true flex nib, but it is amazingly soft, so soft that I find that I cannot write at easy. I constantly have to correct the pressure I'm giving and it just really hurts my fingers and wrist after writing about half a paper.

 

And this might be due to me being a left as you mentioned, but the flow is really bad. Often the ink will just give out, even if I barely put any pressure on the nib or at least not intentional pressure. GouletPens suggested that I switched over to Noodler's Eel inks / lubricated inks, but that isn't what I bought the pen for.

 

I really really want to like this pen, but it writes too dry for me. It is my first true fountain pen and I wanted a pen that would simply write, not cause any problems, just how it's supposed to be.

 

With the advice that I've been given here I hope to find one that suits me. Probably one with a slightly larger grip section, perhaps with a bit more weight to it, but more importantly a wetter flow, even if that means that I'll have little (max 3x the normal with) or no line variation. I take that over a painful hand and wrist anytime. Just give me a very wet pen that behaves. ;)

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      @Astronymus I could use cornstarch... Or i could distill it and make it very concentrated.
    • T.D. Rabbit 2 Mar 10:20
      @lamarax That's what I used! (In reply to black coffee).. But the milk might not be good at all for paper.
    • Grayfeather 2 Mar 0:08
      Good day, all.
    • Gertrude F 20 Feb 17:58
      Sorry think I posted this in the wrong place. Used to be a user, just re-upped. Be kind. 😑
    • Gertrude F 20 Feb 17:56
      Looking to sell huge lot of pretty much every Man 200 made - FP, BP, MP, one or two RBs. Does anyone have a suggestion for a bulk purhase house? Thanks - and hope this doesn't violate any rules.
    • lamarax 17 Feb 18:05
      Cappuccino should work. Frothy milk also helps to lubricate the nib. But it has to be made by a barista.
    • Astronymus 17 Feb 16:19
      YOu might need to thicken the coffee with something. I admit I have no idea with what. But I'm pretty sure it would work.
    • asnailmailer 3 Feb 17:35
      it is incowrimo time and only very few people are tempting me
    • lamarax 31 Jan 21:34
      Try black coffee. No sugar.
    • T.D. Rabbit 31 Jan 8:11
      Coffee is too light to write with though I've tried.
    • Astronymus 29 Jan 21:46
      You can use coffee and all other kinds of fluid with a glas pen. 😉
    • Roger Zhao 29 Jan 14:37
      chocolate is yummy
    • Bucefalo 17 Jan 9:59
      anyone sells vacumatic push button shafts
    • stxrling 13 Jan 1:25
      Are there any threads or posts up yet about the California Pen Show in February, does anyone know?
    • lamarax 10 Jan 20:27
      Putting coffee in a fountain pen is far more dangerous
    • asnailmailer 9 Jan 0:09
      Don't drink the ink
    • zug zug 8 Jan 16:48
      Coffee inks or coffee, the drink? Both are yummy though.
    • LandyVlad 8 Jan 5:37
      I hear the price of coffee is going up. WHich is bad because I like coffee.
    • asnailmailer 6 Jan 14:43
      time for a nice cup of tea
    • Just J 25 Dec 1:57
      @liauyat re editing profile: At forum page top, find the Search panel. Just above that you should see your user name with a tiny down arrow [🔽] alongside. Click that & scroll down to CONTENT, & under that, Profile. Click that, & edit 'til thy heart's content!
    • liapuyat 12 Dec 12:20
      I can't seem to edit my profile, which is years out of date, because I've only returned to FPN again recently. How do you fix it?
    • mattaw 5 Dec 14:25
      @lantanagal did you do anything to fix that? I get that page every time I try to go to edit my profile...
    • Penguincollector 30 Nov 19:14
      Super excited to go check out the PDX Pen Bazaar today. I volunteered to help set up tables. It should be super fun, followed by Xmas tree shopping. 😁
    • niuben 30 Nov 10:41
      @Nurse Ratchet
    • Nurse Ratchet 30 Nov 2:49
      Newbie here!!! Helloall
    • Emes 25 Nov 23:31
      jew
    • Misfit 9 Nov 2:38
      lantanagal, I’ve only seen that happen when you put someone on the ignore list. I doubt a friend would do that.
    • lantanagal 7 Nov 19:01
      UPDATE - FIXED NOW Exact message is: Requested page not available! Dear Visitor of the Fountain Pen Nuthouse The page you are requesting to visit is not available to you. You are not authorised to access the requested page. Regards, The FPN Admin Team November 7, 2024
    • lantanagal 7 Nov 18:59
      UPDATE - FIXED NOW Trying to send a pen friend a reply to a message, keep getting an error message to say I don't have access. Anyone any ideas? (tried logging our and back in to no avail)
    • Dr.R 2 Nov 16:58
      Raina’s
    • fireant 2 Nov 1:36
      Fine-have you had a nibmeister look at it?
    • carlos.q 29 Oct 15:19
      @FineFinerFinest: have you seen this thread? https://www.fountainpennetwor...nging-pelikan-nibs/#comments
    • FineFinerFinest 24 Oct 8:52
      No replies required to my complaints about the Pelikan. A friend came to the rescue with some very magnification equipment - with the images thrown to a latge high res screen. Technology is a wonderful thing. Thanks to Mercian for the reply. I had been using the same paper & ink for sometime when the "singing" started. I have a theory but no proof that nibs get damaged when capping the pen. 👍
    • Mercian 22 Oct 22:28
      @FineFinerFinest: sometimes nib-'singing' can be lessened - or even cured - by changing the ink that one is putting through the pen, or the paper that one is using. N.b. *sometimes*. Good luck
    • Bluetaco 22 Oct 22:04
      howdy
    • FineFinerFinest 21 Oct 5:23
      I'm not expecting any replies to my question about the singing Pelikan nib. It seems, from reading the background, that I am not alone. It's a nice pen. It's such a pity Pelikan can't make decent nibs. I have occasionally met users who tell me how wonderful their Pelikan nib is. I've spent enough money to know that not everyone has this experience. I've worked on nibs occasionally over forty years with great success. This one has me beaten. I won't be buying any more Pelikan pens. 👎
    • FineFinerFinest 21 Oct 4:27
      I've had a Pelikan M805 for a couple of years now and cannot get the nib to write without singing. I've worked on dozens of nibs with great success. Ny suggestion about what's going wrong? 😑
    • Bhakt 12 Oct 5:45
      Any feedback in 100th anniversary Mont Blanc green pens?
    • Glens pens 8 Oct 15:08
      @jordierocks94 i happen to have platinum preppy that has wrote like (bleep) since i bought it my second pen....is that something you would wish to practice on?
    • jordierocks94 4 Oct 6:26
      Hello all - New here. My Art studies have spilled me into the ft pen world where I am happily submerged and floating! I'm looking to repair some cheap pens that are starving for ink yet filled, and eventually get new nibs; and development of repair skills (an even longer learning curve than my art studies - lol). Every hobby needs a hobby, eh ...
    • The_Beginner 18 Sept 23:35
      horse notebooks if you search the title should still appear though it wont show you in your proflie
    • Jayme Brener 16 Sept 22:21
      Hi, guys. I wonder if somebody knows who manufactured the Coro fountain pens.
    • TheHorseNotebooks 16 Sept 13:11
      Hello, it's been ages for me since I was here last time. I had a post (http://www.fountainpennetwork...-notebooks/?view=getnewpost) but I see that it is no longer accessible. Is there anyway to retrieve that one?
    • Refujio Rodriguez 16 Sept 5:39
      I have a match stick simplomatic with a weidlich nib. Does anyone know anything about this pen?
    • The_Beginner 15 Sept 16:11
      dusty yes, glen welcome
    • Glens pens 11 Sept 1:22
      Hello, Im new to FPN I'm so happy to find other foutain penattics. collecting almost one year ,thought I would say hello to everyone.
    • DustyBin 8 Sept 14:34
      I haven't been here for ages... do I take it that private sales are no longer allowed? Also used to be a great place to sell and buy some great pens
    • Sailor Kenshin 1 Sept 12:37
      Lol…
    • JungleJim 1 Sept 1:55
      Perhaps it's like saying Beetlejuice 3 times to get that person to appear, though with @Sailor Kenshin you only have to say it twice?
    • Sailor Kenshin 31 Aug 21:06
      ?
    • Duffy 29 Aug 19:31
      @Sailor Kenshin @Sailor Kenshin
    • Seney724 26 Aug 22:07
    • Diablo 26 Aug 22:05
      Thank you so much, Seney724. I really appreciate your help!
    • Seney724 26 Aug 21:43
      I have no ties or relationship. Just a very happy customer. He is a very experienced Montblanc expert.
    • Seney724 26 Aug 21:42
      I strongly recommend Kirk Speer at https://www.penrealm.com/
    • Diablo 26 Aug 21:35
      @Seney724. The pen was recently disassembled and cleaned, but the nib and feed were not properly inserted into the holder. I'm in Maryland.
    • Diablo 26 Aug 21:32
      @Seney724. The nib section needs to be adjusted properly.
    • Seney724 26 Aug 18:16
      @Diablo. Where are you? What does it need?
    • Diablo 26 Aug 16:58
      Seeking EXPERIENCED, REPUTABLE service/repair for my 149. PLEASE help!!!
    • Penguincollector 19 Aug 19:42
      @Marta Val, reach out to @terim, who runs Peyton Street Pens and is very knowledgeable about Sheaffer pens
    • Marta Val 19 Aug 14:35
      Hello, could someone recommend a reliable venue: on line or brick and mortar in Fairfax, VA or Long Island, NY to purchase the soft parts and a converter to restore my dad's Sheaffer Legacy? please. Thanks a mill.
    • The_Beginner 18 Aug 2:49
      is there a guy who we can message to find a part for us with a given timelimit if so please let me know his name!
    • virtuoso 16 Aug 15:15
      what happene to the new Shaeffer inks?
    • Scribs 14 Aug 17:09
      fatehbajwa, in Writing Instruments, "Fountain Pens + Dip Pens First Stop" ?
    • fatehbajwa 14 Aug 12:17
      Back to FPN after 14 years. First thing I noticed is that I could not see a FS forum. What has changed? 🤔
    • Kika 5 Aug 10:22
      Are there any fountain pen collectors in Qatar?
    • T.D. Rabbit 31 July 18:58
      Ahh okay, thanks!
    • Scribs 29 July 18:51
      @ TDRabbit, even better would be in Creative Expressions area, subform The Write Stuff
    • T.D. Rabbit 29 July 11:40
      Okay, thanks!
    • JungleJim 29 July 0:46
      @T.D. Rabbit Try posting it in the "Chatter Forum". You have to be logged in to see it.
    • T.D. Rabbit 28 July 17:54
      Hello! Is there a thread anywhere 'round here where one can post self-composed poetry? If not, would it be alright if I made one? I searched on google, but to no avail...
    • OldFatDog 26 July 19:41
      I have several Parker Roller Ball & Fiber Tip refills in the original packaging. Where and how do I sell them? The couple that I've opened the ink still flowed when put to paper. Also if a pen would take the foller ball refill then it should take the fiber tip as well? Anyway it's been awhile and I'm want to take my message collection beyond the few pieces that I have... Meaning I don't have a Parker these refills will fit in 🙄
    • RegDiggins 23 July 12:40
      Recently was lucky enough to buy a pristine example of the CF crocodile ball with the gold plating. Then of course I faced the same problem we all have over the years ,of trying to find e refill. Fortunately I discovered one here in the U.K. I wonder if there are other sources which exist in other countries, by the way they were not cheap pen
    • The_Beginner 20 July 20:35
      Hows it going guys i have a code from pen chalet that i wont use for 10% off and it ends aug 31st RC10AUG its 10% off have at it fellas
    • T.D. Rabbit 19 July 9:33
      Somewhat confusing and off-putting ones, as said to me by my very honest friends. I don't have an X account though :<
    • piano 19 July 8:41
      @The Devil Rabbit what kind of? Let’s go to X (twitter) with #inkdoodle #inkdoodleFP
    • Mort639 17 July 1:03
      I have a Conway Stewart Trafalgar set. It was previously owned by actor Russell Crowe and includes a letter from him. Can anyone help me with assessing its value?
    • Sailor Kenshin 15 July 17:41
      There must be a couple of places here to share artworks.
    • T.D. Rabbit 15 July 12:45
      Hullo! I really like making ink doodles, and I'd like to share a few. Anywhere on the site I can do so? Thanks in advance!
    • Sailor Kenshin 6 July 17:58
      Pay It Forward.
    • AndWhoDisguisedAs 6 July 16:59
      where would I post wanting to trade bottle of ink straight up?
    • JungleJim 3 July 16:14
      @Bill Wood-- just look at the message below you that was posted by @PAKMAN. He is a moderator here on the forums.
    • Bill Wood 2 July 14:24
      Just checking on a classified section and where we are with that. Many thanks. Bill
    • PAKMAN 29 June 1:57
      @inky1 The software for the classified stopped working with the forum. So no we don't have a sales section anymore at FPN
    • inky1 28 June 16:49
      I am not sure which is the classifieds section
    • inky1 28 June 16:46
      IIs there a Fountain Pen Sales board anywhere on here?
    • dave c 25 June 19:01
      Hi. Anybody ever heard about a Royal Puck Pen. Very small but good looking.
    • Eppie_Matts 23 June 19:25
      Thanks! I've just ordered some #6's to experiment with.
    • Al-fresco 21 June 12:11
      @Eppie_Matts Shouldn't be a problem - I've just put a Bock #6 Titanium into a La Grande Bellezza section. Went straight in without any problem.
    • Curiousone11 21 June 4:35
      Any recommendations on anyone who specializes in original pen patents?
    • Eppie_Matts 20 June 1:32
      Hi all - I'm new to experimenting with pens and nibs. Can I put a bock 6 on a Pineider? Thanks!
    • penned in 16 June 17:33
      Hi, I'm new to this forum and was wondering where is the best place to sell a Montblanc ballpoint pen? Are ballpoints allowed here? It's a beautiful pen that deserves a great listing. Thanks.
    • ChrisUrbane 9 June 3:16
      I havent logged in here for a while. I have moved and when I try to change my location on my profile, when I go to save it, it sais 'page not found' and that I do not have authority to change that.
    • Dlj 6 June 20:19
      I am looking for someone who can repair a Waterman Preface ballpoint that won’t stay together
    • Penguincollector 30 May 14:59
      I just noticed that the oppsing team of the game I watched last night had a player named Biro in their lineup. He must be part of Marsell the oily magician’s cadre
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