Why do you "collect" pens ?

[amin]

That other thread about how much we have spent this year got me worried that my recent accumulating activity has been a bit excessive for my budget. I hadn't really been doing the math .

 

When I joined FPN just two months ago, I had an Edson, a Phileas, and a Vanishing Point.

 

Two months later, I have added the following:

Sheaffer: two TD Imperials, one TD Admiral, and one PFM IV

Parker: two 75s, three aero "51"s, and one vac "51"

Pelikan: white tortoise, green M200 (lost), amber M250, and red M800

 

Because I cannot deny the OCD, I voted for #6 ; however, the reasons behind the OCD are not fake. They are #2, 1, and 3, in that order.

 

To close, I'd like to echo the following sentiment by OldGriz:

The final answer is you are all to blame....    :bonk:  :bonk:  :bonk:

Edited December 19, 2005 by amin

[handlebar]

Since i love to write and also appreciate the variety and color of pens,i find the blend irrisistable to resist. What a combo. I can use my pens everyday and not feel as though they are just "sitting there". I have kept a journal for almost 20 years and use these pens almost every day. Together they brighten my days and give me an excuse to keep up with my writing.

 

Handlebar

[PaulK]

I'd have to agree with "writing pleasure" as well. I don't really "collect" anything since anything I own, I use. When I find myself not seeing how I could place another **somthing** into rotation, I stop. Plus, I've found that I've matured in my purchasing habits in the past years: I don't buy something that looks like something else. This keeps my **want** gene from being activated. Another lesson learned: don't settle for something, save! .... 'cuz if you buy the "lesser" item, you will regret it (and eventually purchase the item you originally wanted).

 

**IF** I was to make another purchase, one would have to go away. I certainly appreciate those Maki-e pens (because of their wonderful artistry). However, I would only consider one if it was to appeal to some fond memory, current pursuit, etc. Seen one that triggered the gene but, fortunately for me (translation: knots on my head by my dear wife after the "You spent what on a pen??" question) it was sold.

 

Sorry for the long response......

 

My best,

 

Paul

[krz]

I originally started collecting pens mainly for different nibs to draw with, and then to write with. Then I developed an appreciation of the artistry and craftsmanship of fountain pens.

 

I think allot of us techies or recovering techies also gain an appreciation of things less technical. I won't wear a digital watch as long as I can find a simple analog watch.

 

I used to have to have the fastest motorcycles I could get my hands on. Now my head turns to check out an old Cushman scooter, and other things a bit less complex.

 

Fountain pens are a benign and enjoyable distraction from an over complex world. I'm not going to give up my computers and gadgets any time soon but I've got some pens to help keep me grounded.

[Roger W.]

Wow;

 

After all this time now there is someone besides myself that collects for the intellectual challange. I really thought they might be a few more than that. Well, intersting poll all the same.

 

Roger W.

[Guest Denis Richard]

Wow;

 

After all this time now there is someone besides myself that collects for the intellectual challange.  I really thought they might be a few more than that.  Well, intersting poll all the same.

 

Roger W.

I think that pretty much reflect what has been observed several times. We seem to be in majority "functional collectors", while another board seems to be populated with more "historical collector". I use these undefined terms as the user vs. collector distinction is getting old and is rather inaccurate.

 

Goal for the next decade : breach the great divide and avoid developing pockets of retreating fundamentalism that keep people from even starting to consider being attracted to the historical side of the hobby ?

Edited March 4, 2006 by Denis Richard

[Gerry]

I, for one, would really like to see that happen. Particularly if it were possible to discuss the differences in a way that respects the differing points of view.

 

Seems to me that we tend to lose it when we assume that there is only one 'right' POV. We do lose, but it's often the knowledge that the other POV could bring to the table.

 

Anyway Roger, I'd be interested in hearing a little more about the intellectual aspect of collecting, as you see it. I haven't been bitten by that aspect yet (particularly if its the historical aspect), but do admit to a fascination with the construction and unique physical features of various fountain pens, which I find to be intellectually stimulating from an entirely different perspective.

 

Regards,

 

Gerry

[fountainbel]

I voted for 1, although 2 - being a daily writer- is also important to me.

The main reason a voted for 1 is the fact that I tend to think the "technicality" aspect of a fountain pen also resorts under 1, although 4 is probably also involved.

The "technicality" aspect is in fact my main collectors drive.

I enjoy the inventive technical aspects of the more complex filling systems, such as the Sheaffer snorkels, PFM & lately also the Sheaffer Vac-fillers.

Repairing these pens always poses new challenges & I do like these challenges !

Edited March 4, 2006 by fountainbel

[Ruaidhri]

I am very surprised at how few people owned up to no 6

 

Actually I think my problem is linguistic. The difference between "I need" and "I want" has grown dimmer over the years.

 

BTW: I have repeatedly asked young Binder to stop posting those pictures.

Just when I am on Step 11 of the Program he does it again and I am back to Square 1

[Guest]

Combination of 1 2 3 & 4

 

AB

[Kurt Behm]

Post other reasons if you have a suggestion

1, 2, 3, & 4

[kissing]

Where is the poll option

 

"All of the above" ?

[goodguy]

For me its 1&2

[london]

Well it started out with 3.

 

Then moved on to 1, with added 2.

 

Finally, its just pure 6 (but led by 2 as the compulsion??).

 

And, as Ruaidhri indicates, Richard's postings of such pics just adds to it.

 

- Mark

[maxrhino]

Well 1 to 5 sums it up.

Though not all would apply to each addition to my collection.

I would buy a pen that looked good but didn't write well.

I would also do the reverse.

As for financial gain it won't be mine but my sons.

Unless of couse I get funny in my old age and have them buried with me.

 

It's great to be able to collect something beautiful and functional.

So many other collectables just sit on a shelf gathering dust.

[sonia_simone]

2 and 6.

 

If I'm honest, maybe 6 and 2.

[mike1]

I started collecting pens because I find that writing with a fountain pen is very relaxing and stress relieving. Sometimes, though, my stress level rises when I buy a new pen and my wife knows nothing about it until it hits the door. She likes pens as well so the stress is usually short lived.

[Nihontochicken]

Well, to throw in my two cents, I suppose it is a combination of "1. Aesthetic pleasure" and "3. Connection with the past", as modified by "7. Other?" I appreciate manufactured items that are well done in terms of fusing function and aesthetics. This leaves most modern manufacture out in the cold. As mentioned earlier here by Jeff, a key distinction is modern replacement cost. Most of the items I collect, while generally not cheap, cost less than what it would cost to replace them with modern manufacture. What is the price of current Parker and Sheaffer "retro" pens as compared to excellent used examples they emulate? And which are really better? Is there anything of like that is really in the same ballpark for the price of a used 51, ring pearl celluloid Vacumatic, or Triumph nib Snorkel? Then again, I do certainly hope my argument is entirely unconvincing.

[Judybug]

#1 and #3 are supremely important, but I voted for #2. After all, the writing experience is what hooked me on fountain pens many, many moons ago.

 

Judybug

[Arkanabar]

I'm a user. I've always bought stuff to use, and have a hard time understanding the urge to buy stuff just to have it.

 

But value and aesthetics matter. I wouldn't trade a pricey (Potty Mouth) writer for a cheapo pen I love to use straight up. But I'd sell the pricey (Potty Mouth) writer or exchange it for a fist full of smooth-writing pens without a qualm.

 

And if a pen is a great writer, I won't let surface imperfections keep me from buying and using it, in preference to a more beautiful and costly pen of the same type that writes no better. But within a certain price range, with all other things being equal, the prettier pen will win out.

 

And perhaps the intellectual challenge also applies. I'd like to at least have and try for a while (a month or two) pens of each type of filler, and perhaps each type of nib.

 

I'm always in search of that perfect pen. At this point, I still like to buy practical pens to use and collect. I would not buy a pen merely just for collection purposes in its box untouched. So my tastes for pens are more the workhorse kind of pens rather than the $200 pens. -- Betty

Huh? If I had $500 to spare, I'd happily spend it on an Omas 360 -- to write with.

 

For those of you who mentioned more than one reason, I thought about putting also 1&2, 2&3, 4&5&6 etc as choices but it would need 63 entries and the poll only takes 20 Maybe someday if we can choose more than one, it will be more interesting - or we could start a new poll on what is your second reason for collecting . -- antoniosz

Doesn't this BBS software allow a person to design a poll with checkboxes instead of radio buttons? VBB does...

 

Yes you are being naive. You really need only one pair of shoes -- Denis Richard

Perhaps I'm rationalizing here, but try this: I need my glossy black shoes so as to not cause offense in certain social situations. I need my Specialized cleat shoes to hold onto my Performance clipless pedals. I need comfy shoes for my job, and boots for when I'm clearing brush and small trees from my yard. And I need my slippers when I'm in the house.

 

As I've grown in my appreciation for liberty, I have come more and more to the understanding that my way is only best for me. I can not reasonably presume that it is anything close to good for anyone else. So it is that I have no contempt or dislike for those who buy stuff to have and not use. In fact, I have even gone so far as to buy things for my wife to have and not use.

 

Sorry for the long response...... -- Paul

NEVER apologize for explaining yourself thoroughly! On my other board, I'm occasionally referred to as a practitioner of thread necromancy, for my habit of resurrecting long-dead threads.