Pen recommendations

[Asteris]

Some of you might have seen me wandering around the forum, looking for a pen as a step-up from my metropolitan and I was acting like a headless chiken cheking pens without any criteria. Finally, I have found the criteria and I'm asking you, fellow fountain pen lovers, to help me with commendations.

 

Criteria:

Price: 40-110 USD

Body wheight(no cap, unposted): no more than 20 grams.

Grip diameter: no more than 10mm

Thank you beforhand.

[A Smug Dill]

Steel-nibbed pens

• Fine Writing International Planet series (if you can still find stock of any of the models): Sturdily built, can be used as eyedropper-filled pens, excellent nibs made by JoWo and finished expertly‡, definitely worth the price, especially if you can pick one up discounted. (Wancher Crystal Ⅱ is essentially the same pen, but Wancher's nib — also made by JoWo — is not finished nearly as well, in my experience.)
• Opus 88 Picnic, or Koloro if you prefer flat ends and/or ebonite accents
• Pelikan M20x, which should be doable for US$110 new if you keep an eye out for discounts

Gold-nibbed pens

• Lamy 2000 Makrolon has been offered several times in the past couple of years for US$110 or less
• Sailor Profit Standard (aka 1911 Standard) or Professional Gear Slim, in the region of US$90–$110 when discounted
• Platinum #3776 Century in one of the basic colourways (Black in Black, Bourgogne, Laurel Green, Chartres Blue, and Chenonceau White) with gold trim, in the region of US$90–$110 when discounted
• Pilot Custom Heritage 91, again in the region of US$90–$110 when discounted

I have bought all of the above in the past 24 months for US$110 or less each.

 

‡ I've only tried the EF nibs; I have three of the FWI Planets series pens, and the nib quality is consistent. I also have a Wancher Crystal (not Crystal Ⅱ), which is equivalent to a different FWI series that came before the Planets, and is obviously from the same factory/origin.

[voltron]

3 hours ago, Asteris said:

Some of you might have seen me wandering around the forum, looking for a pen as a step-up from my metropolitan and I was acting like a headless chiken cheking pens without any criteria. Finally, I have found the criteria and I'm asking you, fellow fountain pen lovers, to help me with commendations.

 

Criteria:

Price: 40-110 USD

Body wheight(no cap, unposted): no more than 20 grams.

Grip diameter: no more than 10mm

Thank you beforhand.

 

Pelikan M200/M205 fits that criteria & can be had within your budget if ordered from some of the more popular sellers in Europe. I got my first one in 2016 & it has since then become my favorite EDC pen

[Asteris]

3 hours ago, A Smug Dill said:

Steel-nibbed pens

• Fine Writing International Planet series (if you can still find stock of any of the models): Sturdily built, can be used as eyedropper-filled pens, excellent nibs made by JoWo and finished expertly‡, definitely worth the price, especially if you can pick one up discounted. (Wancher Crystal Ⅱ is essentially the same pen, but Wancher's nib — also made by JoWo — is not finished nearly as well, in my experience.)
• Opus 88 Picnic, or Koloro if you prefer flat ends and/or ebonite accents
• Pelikan M20x, which should be doable for US$110 new if you keep an eye out for discounts

Gold-nibbed pens

• Lamy 2000 Makrolon has been offered several times in the past couple of years for US$110 or less
• Sailor Profit Standard (aka 1911 Standard) or Professional Gear Slim, in the region of US$90–$110 when discounted
• Platinum #3776 Century in one of the basic colourways (Black in Black, Bourgogne, Laurel Green, Chartres Blue, and Chenonceau White) with gold trim, in the region of US$90–$110 when discounted
• Pilot Custom Heritage 91, again in the region of US$90–$110 when discounted

I have bought all of the above in the past 24 months for US$110 or less each.

 

‡ I've only tried the EF nibs; I have three of the FWI Planets series pens, and the nib quality is consistent. I also have a Wancher Crystal (not Crystal Ⅱ), which is equivalent to a different FWI series that came before the Planets, and is obviously from the same factory/origin.

Thanks for the suggestions. Your answers are always helpfull!

[Asteris]

13 hours ago, A Smug Dill said:

Steel-nibbed pens

• Fine Writing International Planet series (if you can still find stock of any of the models): Sturdily built, can be used as eyedropper-filled pens, excellent nibs made by JoWo and finished expertly‡, definitely worth the price, especially if you can pick one up discounted. (Wancher Crystal Ⅱ is essentially the same pen, but Wancher's nib — also made by JoWo — is not finished nearly as well, in my experience.)
• Opus 88 Picnic, or Koloro if you prefer flat ends and/or ebonite accents
• Pelikan M20x, which should be doable for US$110 new if you keep an eye out for discounts

Gold-nibbed pens

• Lamy 2000 Makrolon has been offered several times in the past couple of years for US$110 or less
• Sailor Profit Standard (aka 1911 Standard) or Professional Gear Slim, in the region of US$90–$110 when discounted
• Platinum #3776 Century in one of the basic colourways (Black in Black, Bourgogne, Laurel Green, Chartres Blue, and Chenonceau White) with gold trim, in the region of US$90–$110 when discounted
• Pilot Custom Heritage 91, again in the region of US$90–$110 when discounted

I have bought all of the above in the past 24 months for US$110 or less each.

 

‡ I've only tried the EF nibs; I have three of the FWI Planets series pens, and the nib quality is consistent. I also have a Wancher Crystal (not Crystal Ⅱ), which is equivalent to a different FWI series that came before the Planets, and is obviously from the same factory/origin.

Question for the opus 88 korolo. Do you aply silicone grease after every fill?

[Asteris]

10 hours ago, voltron said:

 

Pelikan M200/M205 fits that criteria & can be had within your budget if ordered from some of the more popular sellers in Europe. I got my first one in 2016 & it has since then become my favorite EDC pen

How do fill it up when the ink is low in the bottle?

[A Smug Dill]

35 minutes ago, Asteris said:

Do you aply silicone grease after every fill?

 

That depends. If I'm changing colours and/or giving the pen a thorough flush (with dilute detergent and ammonia solution, or commercial pen flush solution) and clean inside and out, then I would apply silicone grease on the threads everywhere on and in the pen out of habit. If I'm just topping up with the same ink as before, then no.

[Drone]

15 hours ago, Asteris said:

Some of you might have seen me wandering around the forum, looking for a pen as a step-up from my metropolitan and I was acting like a headless chicken checking pens without any criteria. Finally, I have found the criteria and I'm asking you, fellow fountain pen lovers, to help me with commendations.

 

Criteria:

Price: 40-110 USD

Body weight (no cap, unposted): no more than 20 grams.

Grip diameter: no more than 10mm

Thank you beforehand.

 

Hello Asteris,

 

I recommend the TWSBI ECO as your next step-up fountain pen. In my opinion, there are a lot of good reasons for my recommendation. Read on...

 

Unlike the Metropolitan, the TWSBI ECO is traditional style piston-filler fountain pen. (BTW, unlike some piston-fill fountain pens you do not have to loosen the filler knob to use the ECO.) The cap is a proper screw-on type, not push-on like the Metropolitan. The ECO is large enough and light enough to write with un-posted or posted. The pen is well balanced posted or un-posted. The cap is straight and secure when posted. The cap posts to the body, not the filler knob.

 

For a new experience order your TWSBI with the 1.1mm stub nib, it is my favorite. You can buy a different nib from TWSBI later if you want, they're affordable. At my writing time the standard version ECO pens with chrome-tone nibs and furniture sell for $32.99 each. The white and black ECO pens with Rose-Gold tone nibs and furniture sell for $49.99 each, and add a taste of class.

 

* Examine this example:

 

Black/Rose-Gold TWSBI ECO 1.1mm nib, $49.99 USD ea. + Tax & Shipping.

 

https://www.gouletpens.com/products/twsbi-eco-fountain-pen-smoke-rosegold?variant=33098106011691

 

I chose to link to the Goulet Pens web page as an example because I know it lists a lot of specifications including size and weight, which seem important to you.

 

I have found TWSBI's customer service to be excellent. If you need replacement parts you can get them, if you want to try a different nib they are affordable and easy to swap in.

 

The TWSBI ECO pens are designed to be user disassembled and reassembled for cleaning or repair. There are instructions on filling and using your ECO in the box, read them first before doing anything. There is a plastic wrench in the ECO box that is used to disassemble/reassemble the pen, do not loose it.

 

At my writing time this page has a link to a copy of the TWSBI ECO Manual in .pdf format on it:

 

https://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/pens/fountain-pens/twsbi-eco-black.html

 

Fill and write with your new ECO pen for awhile to get used to it. Later on you will want to try to dissasemble and reassemble the pen. Start by simply flushing the ink out with some plain water. Read the included instructions again carefully. Don't worry if you still find some of the instructions a little confusing, everything will become clear eventually.

 

IMPORTANT: Go to YouTube and search for TWSBI ECO Disassembly, a bunch of results will appear. View a few of the videos (a couple of good links are included below). Pay attention to how the filler knob on the end of the body is removed and reinstalled, that is the tricky part.

 

Like working with any pen, never use force when disassembling/reassembling parts, do not over-tighten anything - pens parts can crack easily. Don't worry, if you do break something you can get a replacement from TWSBI.

 

I think you will be happy with a TWSBI ECO as your next pen. Anyway, post back and let us know what you ended up with and how you like it.

 

Here are a couple of old but good TWSBI ECO disassembly/reassembly YouTube videos:

 

* TWSBI 580 Disassembly - Brian Goulet

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ND2P4m0nE

 

* Disassembly Line TWSBI Eco - SBRE Brown

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri6CkkkFYAA

 

[Asteris]

2 hours ago, Drone said:

 

Hello Asteris,

 

I recommend the TWSBI ECO as your next step-up fountain pen. In my opinion, there are a lot of good reasons for my recommendation. Read on...

 

Unlike the Metropolitan, the TWSBI ECO is traditional style piston-filler fountain pen. (BTW, unlike some piston-fill fountain pens you do not have to loosen the filler knob to use the ECO.) The cap is a proper screw-on type, not push-on like the Metropolitan. The ECO is large enough and light enough to write with un-posted or posted. The pen is well balanced posted or un-posted. The cap is straight and secure when posted. The cap posts to the body, not the filler knob.

 

For a new experience order your TWSBI with the 1.1mm stub nib, it is my favorite. You can buy a different nib from TWSBI later if you want, they're affordable. At my writing time the standard version ECO pens with chrome-tone nibs and furniture sell for $32.99 each. The white and black ECO pens with Rose-Gold tone nibs and furniture sell for $49.99 each, and add a taste of class.

 

* Examine this example:

 

Black/Rose-Gold TWSBI ECO 1.1mm nib, $49.99 USD ea. + Tax & Shipping.

 

https://www.gouletpens.com/products/twsbi-eco-fountain-pen-smoke-rosegold?variant=33098106011691

 

I chose to link to the Goulet Pens web page as an example because I know it lists a lot of specifications including size and weight, which seem important to you.

 

I have found TWSBI's customer service to be excellent. If you need replacement parts you can get them, if you want to try a different nib they are affordable and easy to swap in.

 

The TWSBI ECO pens are designed to be user disassembled and reassembled for cleaning or repair. There are instructions on filling and using your ECO in the box, read them first before doing anything. There is a plastic wrench in the ECO box that is used to disassemble/reassemble the pen, do not loose it.

 

At my writing time this page has a link to a copy of the TWSBI ECO Manual in .pdf format on it:

 

https://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/pens/fountain-pens/twsbi-eco-black.html

 

Fill and write with your new ECO pen for awhile to get used to it. Later on you will want to try to dissasemble and reassemble the pen. Start by simply flushing the ink out with some plain water. Read the included instructions again carefully. Don't worry if you still find some of the instructions a little confusing, everything will become clear eventually.

 

IMPORTANT: Go to YouTube and search for TWSBI ECO Disassembly, a bunch of results will appear. View a few of the videos (a couple of good links are included below). Pay attention to how the filler knob on the end of the body is removed and reinstalled, that is the tricky part.

 

Like working with any pen, never use force when disassembling/reassembling parts, do not over-tighten anything - pens parts can crack easily. Don't worry, if you do break something you can get a replacement from TWSBI.

 

I think you will be happy with a TWSBI ECO as your next pen. Anyway, post back and let us know what you ended up with and how you like it.

 

Here are a couple of old but good TWSBI ECO disassembly/reassembly YouTube videos:

 

* TWSBI 580 Disassembly - Brian Goulet

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ND2P4m0nE

 

* Disassembly Line TWSBI Eco - SBRE Brown

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri6CkkkFYAA

 

Thanks for all the information.

[Asteris]

3 hours ago, A Smug Dill said:

 

That depends. If I'm changing colours and/or giving the pen a thorough flush (with dilute detergent and ammonia solution, or commercial pen flush solution) and clean inside and out, then I would apply silicone grease on the threads everywhere on and in the pen out of habit. If I'm just topping up with the same ink as before, then no.

Yould you recommend it as an EDC or in-house pen?

[mtcn77]

If you like dry writers(like me), then Faber Castell Neo Slim would fit your budget perfectly. Perfectly moderate ink flow, gets more moderate the more you write.

[MsRedpen]

7 hours ago, Asteris said:

How do fill it up when the ink is low in the bottle?

Transfer the ink in a sample vial, than normal filling from the vial.

 

Back to pen recommendation - I agree fully with ASD above and would add few more worth considering

Kaweco - Student or Dia (if classic design is preferred)

Faber-Castell Ambition or eMotion (if slightly different design appeals to you - and different ergonomics)

 

Personally - my pick would be Pelikan M200.

 

Good luck!

[Honeybadgers]

If you like thin, it won't feel like a step up in price but the Muji Aluminum is one of the very nicest everyday beaters you can think of. That knurled grip is like a rotring 600. Super satisfying.

 

I hate the pelikan M200's colors but love everything else about them, so I picked up an M215 "rings" which has a slightly heavier (but still light) brass body and resin cap. M2xx is a stellar pen, and you can keep an eye out for vintage 400' series nibs, which are 14k and semiflex, and screw right into the modern M2xx.

 

Keep an eye out for a waterman carene on sale, they are pushing the weight though (but very, very balanced)

 

Resin or aluminum tactile turn - STUPID well made, that texture on them is just a fidget-er's dream. 

 

Platinum 3776. I like the soft fine and ultra extra fine (the UEF can be VERY tempermental though) out of the six I have.

 

TWSBI 580 or VAC700R

 

Pilot CH 74 or 91. Again, soft fine is my favorite nib.

 

A pilot vanishing point decimo can be found at the upper end of that range if you do some searching

 

Opus 88 pens are fun

 

Salor pro gear slim

 

Honestly, I'd pick up a muji aluminum and then set the rest aside and keep an eye on a vintage fountain pen seller like Greg Minuskin, thepenmarket, Ron Z's site, etc. A nice, restored vintage pen will get you a TON of personality for the money, and they all tend to be very lightweight.

 

[Linger]

On 2/12/2022 at 8:00 AM, Asteris said:

How do fill it up when the ink is low in the bottle?

Ah, but although Pelikan are piston fillers, you can screw out the nib-unit so you could use a syringe.  Alternatively you could buy a second bottle and pour the remaining ink over. But, question, why do you bother? Pelikan 4001 ink is eur 2,80 for 30ml at Amazon. If you can’t get the last 20% of ink out of the bottle, you incur a monetary loss of 56 cents…

[Asteris]

15 hours ago, Linger said:

Ah, but although Pelikan are piston fillers, you can screw out the nib-unit so you could use a syringe.  Alternatively you could buy a second bottle and pour the remaining ink over. But, question, why do you bother? Pelikan 4001 ink is eur 2,80 for 30ml at Amazon. If you can’t get the last 20% of ink out of the bottle, you incur a monetary loss of 56 cents…

 

17 hours ago, Honeybadgers said:

If you like thin, it won't feel like a step up in price but the Muji Aluminum is one of the very nicest everyday beaters you can think of. That knurled grip is like a rotring 600. Super satisfying.

 

I hate the pelikan M200's colors but love everything else about them, so I picked up an M215 "rings" which has a slightly heavier (but still light) brass body and resin cap. M2xx is a stellar pen, and you can keep an eye out for vintage 400' series nibs, which are 14k and semiflex, and screw right into the modern M2xx.

 

Keep an eye out for a waterman carene on sale, they are pushing the weight though (but very, very balanced)

 

Resin or aluminum tactile turn - STUPID well made, that texture on them is just a fidget-er's dream. 

 

Platinum 3776. I like the soft fine and ultra extra fine (the UEF can be VERY tempermental though) out of the six I have.

 

TWSBI 580 or VAC700R

 

Pilot CH 74 or 91. Again, soft fine is my favorite nib.

 

A pilot vanishing point decimo can be found at the upper end of that range if you do some searching

 

Opus 88 pens are fun

 

Salor pro gear slim

 

Honestly, I'd pick up a muji aluminum and then set the rest aside and keep an eye on a vintage fountain pen seller like Greg Minuskin, thepenmarket, Ron Z's site, etc. A nice, restored vintage pen will get you a TON of personality for the money, and they all tend to be very lightweight.

 

Your muji recommendation is very interesting. I will give it a thought.

[voltron]

On 2/12/2022 at 12:00 PM, Asteris said:

How do fill it up when the ink is low in the bottle?

I use Waterman Serenity Blue in it & the faceted shape of the bottle allows it to slant at different angles, letting you to fill it easily.