Fountain pens
When I was bemoaning the state of my handwriting a while ago and asking for advice on how to go about improving it, several people suggested that a good pen—-particularly a fountain pen—-helps a lot. While my handwriting has improved a lot as a result of all the good advice I got, I felt that a good fountain pen would probably make it even better—-or at least more comfortable.
I’ve had a Lamy Safari fountain pen for a number of years, but I’ve found it to be a bit unreliable as far as ink flow goes. It also has a rather broad nib, and forms a rather wet, blobby line on the paper in my Moleskine. So I decided to splash out on a decent pen. After a lot of shopping around, and writing “The quick brown fox…” in a slightly embarrassed fashion on numerous pen shop testing pads, I settled on the Rotring Newton. In fact, this is the very pen that Lyle recommended in the comments of my post.
I love the sturdiness of this pen. It’s very solid metal, and looks as if you could run over it in a tank without ill effects (to the pen). I like to think that if I’m ever in a super-villain’s secret underground lair with some huge stone door about to crush me, I could probably save myself by wedging the door open with the Rotring. Happily, it also writes very well. It is—-as Lyle pointed out—-nicely weighty in the hand, and I find that this helps the stability and regularity of my writing a lot. The nib is very smooth, and the perfect ‘three bears’ happy medium between a smooth but wet broad nib and a dry but scratchy narrow one.
I don’t like cartridges (they always seem like a waste of money and hassle to get hold of) so I bought a convertor to use bottled ink. It took a couple of goes to fill the pen from dry, but the flow is now very even and reliable. To complete my conversion to fountain pen fanaticism, I’ve even ordered a couple of bottles of Noodler’s Ink on the recommendation of several people on the 43folders list.
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I have a couple of Lamy Safari pens (OK, five). The medium points are much smoother than the extra fine ones. But the medium does drop lots of ink. I'm not sure how much of this is down to the ink (the medium ones have Lamy cartridges, the EFs have noodlers), or the fact that the EFs are newer and haven't worn to my hand yet.
by AndyC the WB @ 18/01/2006 5:01 pm • Permalink •
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Well, those montblanc pens look very nice but as far as price goes - 'too rich for my blood'. I tend to stick with Parkers as an affordable but reliable pen. Not the modern ones, as the knibs seem to be too 'cheap' but the older models from about 1960 - 198?. Probably my favourite is the 45 with a fine gold knib, and there is a guy in France who sells new ones. The 61 is also a good model, but rarer and more expensive. Of the modern Parkers (1990 +) I've found the 88 'rialto' to be a good writer - veery smooth and well-weighted. If I could afford a Duofold I'd be a happy man ! Thought the link on using the shoulder muscles while writing to be very interesting - I'll try it.
by Kevin @ 20/01/2006 9:01 pm • Permalink •
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Oops - link didn't work - I'll try again...
http://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk
byee
by Kath @ 19/02/2006 12:03 pm • Permalink •
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I usually use a Mont Blanc, but they're servicing it atm cos the ink flow has suddenly gone poor. I know that they're gonna tell me off for not using MB ink, but I love the colours everyone else makes! Herbin Rose Cyclamen, Noodlers Habernero, and Diamine turquoise - fabulous!
So whilst my MB is poorly, I'm back to my Waterman Audace (Ethnic Chic). I got it for about £35 from Pen and Paper in Cardiff, which someone mentioned above. It is a beautiful modern pen, very distinctive and decorative, and quite girlie
If you like coloured inks, try The Writing Desk at http://www.thewritingdesk.co.uk/inkcat/inkcat.php?none
I've used about a dozen of their Noodlers, Herbin (scented Herbin purple ink too!), Conway Stuart and Diamine inks, and they all flow great.
Anyway, I was google-searching for Mont Blanc inks, so I'll get on me way now
by Kath @ 19/02/2006 12:03 pm • Permalink •
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You could take a look at this site for handmade fountain pens: www.handcraftedpens.co.uk Their pens are being used by NASA design scientists working on the manned Lunar station. The pens look beautiful. They also have some great comments from clients.
by keeper7 @ 14/03/2006 9:04 am • Permalink •
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THANK YOU! - over the last few months I've come to the realisation that I'm more creative jotting down my thoughts in ink than using a keyboard (I'm a software usability/ease-of-use specialist so at the computer all day). I picked up a cheap plastic Waterman from a hypermarket in France and rediscovered the joys of fountain pens. Subsequently I've refurbished my Parker 51 which my Mum bought me for me first term in High school (some 43 yrs ago!) - it writes beautifully but is far too precious (to me) for everyday use.
Anyway - the THANK YOU! is for the recommendation for the Rotring Newton - I picked up a Lava version, new, from a French Pen vendor on UK Ebay and it is a delight. Writes great, looks cool, has a good weighty feel and a great cap click! The Lava version is dark grey, rough finished which, I think, adds to the modern styling and has an interesting feel. Of course it helps that I got it at a bargain price too
Just ordered the filler convertor and then will check out the Noodlers Ink. Just found a couple of bottles of Watermans inks in brown from when I used to write in brown on cream paper some 20 years or more ago.
by Brian @ 07/04/2006 10:05 am • Permalink •
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was wondering, is there anyone out there who can advise what kind of pen i should get..i like the ones with thinner nibs, but i find that lots of the time they get scratchy and the ink flow's bad. could this have anything to do with me being a lefty? i also don't have too much money to spend.
by jess @ 09/05/2006 6:06 pm • Permalink •
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If you are looking for a fine nib, then try Cross, Waterman or even Yard-o-Led. A steel nib will be much firmer than a gold nib, but will be less expressive when you write. THe widest range of nibs available is from Lamy and at reasonable prices - have a look at their calligraphy pens. If you find you have problems with scratchy nibs and poor ink flow, try flushing the nib unit in tepid water every 2-3 months, and make sure you DO NOT use Parker 'Quink' in any pen other than a Parker! I find this happens often when Quink is used. You might also check the angle you are writng at - try not to let the pen rotate as you write, as this will shift the shape of the nib and cause it to be scratchy.......Hope this helps!
by Dale @ 29/05/2006 9:05 pm • Permalink •
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Hi - Someone just pointed me to your blog, and I wanted to share my experience. In my elementary school days, I always got poor marks for penmanship. In fact, it became somewhat of a family joke about my awful handwriting. A few years ago, however, I received a fountain pen as a gift. I used it to write my father a birthday card. After he got the card, he called me up to ask who wrote the card for me - he couldn't believe my handwriting was that good! No joke.
I've since become such a fan of fountain pens that I actually started my own online retailer, The Pear Tree Pen Company, (I don't want you to think this is a spam message or commercial advertisement so I won't leave a link) which sells quality writing instruments and accessories. I also just started a blog where I talk a bit about pens and writing. It's at
Also, in case your handwriting is still an issue, there's a woman in the U.S. who teaches handwriting. Her name is Kate Gladstone (Google her), and she gives lessons by email and telephone. She even auctions off her time on eBay (KateGladstoneitalic lady). Finally, there's a great book you can use to help teach yourself, called "Write Now." It's available at many pen shops in the U.S. and it may be available in the U.K., as well.
As for nibs, you'll find few better quality nibs than those made by Sailor, especially for the price. They make some incredibly smooth 14K and 21K gold nibs that come in a very wide range of sizes, from XF to some specialty nibs, such as "Music" and "Zoom." Sailor's nibs, even in the finer sizes, are as smooth as butter and the converter they use is specially designed to help improve ink flow, so they provide enough ink to the nib.
By the way, my preferred ink is Private Reserve - it comes in a huge variety of vibrant colors and it flows extremely well.
I hope that's helpful.
James Partridge
by James @ 30/05/2006 5:06 pm • Permalink •
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Just a note to say how much I love your site. My experience is that there is a growing interest in quality pens, however I do not agree with the comment that classic pens are superior. When I worked for Sheaffer over thirty years ago they made excellent pens but the modern equivilent from Sheaffer, Parker or Waterman are even better. Materials have improved and so have the designs. Where the confusion comes in is on price, a quality pen in the 1970's was £10 to £15 now you have to look at over £150 for a pen that will last a lifetime.
by Peter Ford @ 04/06/2006 3:06 pm • Permalink •
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THANKS, James, for recommending me! If you ever want another pen as a "sidekick" to your current favorite, know that Lamy makes two excellent Italic nibs without the blobbiness of the ordinary Lamy nibs. Many of my handwriting students, and I myself, enjoy a Lamy Italic 1.5mm nib on a Lamy Vista or Lamy Safari pen. They cost rather little, too ($20-$30) - which helps, particularly since students have occasionally, uh, borrowed mine indefinitely! "Good enough to borrow indefinitely" means, in my book, "good enough to recommend."
by Kate Gladstone @ 06/06/2006 12:07 pm • Permalink •
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I should additionally point out that my eBay address doesn't include the space that James gave it - on eBay, look for kategladstoneitaliclady (without the space). I also very much recommend all of Tom Gourdie's many books on handwriting (now, sadly, for the most part out of print - but you can still find them on Amazon.co.uk) as well as the "Quick Results, Easy Work" teach-yourself-handwriting site which I've seen praised by doctors and others: http://briem.ismennt.is/4/4.1.1a/4.1.1.1.quick.htm
by Kate Gladstone @ 06/06/2006 1:07 pm • Permalink •
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Further to my earlier comments regarding new pens, three years ago I started a mail order business for quality pens. We sell Cross, Sheaffer, Parker, Waterman and Pelikan ranges. If anyone needs advice on buying a new pen I am happy to assist, absolutely no obligation to buy from me I just like talking pens.
Peter Ford at www.mrpen.co.uk
by Peter Ford @ 10/06/2006 10:07 am • Permalink •
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I am searching for a schaeffer targa white dot nib, made in the usa, the ones in australia are not suitable for writing calliagraphy style, any ideas as to where I can find one, please send me an urgent email - alassoc@space.net.au.
I use the pen to improve my handwriting and everyone remarks on it - so I can't do without my props!!
alassoc@space.net.au
by alison @ 11/06/2006 8:07 am • Permalink •
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Sorry but Sheaffer no longer produce Targa nor do they make Italic nibs. Try Parker Duofold or 'Sigma Style'.
One alternative is to go to the website: www.oldschoolpens.com and see if they have a classic Targa they are very nice people and I am sure they would keep a look out for an italic version.
Peter Ford at mrpen.co.uk
by Peter Ford @ 11/06/2006 10:07 am • Permalink •
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Further to query re Italic Nibs.
The Sigma Style Fountain Pen is available with solid 14kt. gold nibs in medium, broad and italic. From experience these pens do not skip or dry up; in fact they are beautifully made in the UK and tremendous value.
by Howard Kettle @ 12/06/2006 9:06 am • Permalink •
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Should have said Sigma available with gold Italic nibs in medium, broad and oblique.
Look at www. sigmapens. co.uk
by Howard Kettle @ 12/06/2006 9:07 am • Permalink •
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I've read quite a few of the postings regarding pens and inks, and was suprised that Pelikan pens had little to no mention. I own three of them in my collection of nearly 30 pens and find that they write excellently. If you are serious on pens, you should give them a try.
by John Ingram @ 02/07/2006 2:08 pm • Permalink •
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Where did you buy your Rotring Ink Convertor from? I have just bought a Rotring Esprit telescopic fountain pen and am trying to find out if it will take a standard Rotring Ink Convertor. First though I need to know where to get one from!
by Andy @ 29/11/2006 6:35 pm • Permalink •
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Andy: I just bought it from the same local pen shop (The Pen Shop) that I got the pen from. I'm sure that most shops which stock Rotring would stock them. Alternatively, you could probably buy one online from The Pen Shop.
by bsag @ 01/12/2006 10:38 am • Permalink •
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I can say nothing bad about Mont Blanc except that the brand is pricey and provides guarantee for less time than say Waterman or Parker. But that very name makes owning a MB a very pleasant feeling. Despite all PC's etc, I still writeletters by hand (do not throw stones at me), and since I like writing letters very much, and even prefer them to emails, my girlfriend, being 3 years younger than me, considers me a bit... hmm... older than I am
Probably I am old-fashioned, in the century of sms and skype and everything, but a nicely written letter is more than a message - it is a sign of deepest feeling. Personal letter, I mean of course.
by Attente @ 05/05/2007 6:53 pm • Permalink •
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Fountain pens are not a necessity, its a kind of jewellery item now, so more beautiful it looks, more it sells. Once you writefrom this pen, its possible to erease it also by the ink remover that i have invented. To know you you can make it (its simple n cheap) read this DIY article :
http://thenetguruz.com/?p=34
Enjoy !
by Mohd. Hashim Khan @ 08/05/2007 6:45 pm • Permalink •
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For all Fountain pen collectors: I am in posession of an extensive collection of Mont Blanc fountain pens (80-90). I also have a couple Namikis, and Montegrappas, as well as an Ideal. Most of these pens are in mint condition while 2 or 3 of them are "inked" in case you are more than just a collector. To take a look at some of the names feel free to go to my companies website. www.haysconsulting.net Click on the Economan symbol on the home page. Don't hesitate to call (404)926-0058 this is a direct dial. My name is Colt Conner.
by Colt Conner @ 30/05/2007 1:56 pm • Permalink •
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Did anyone have experience with counterfeit pens on ebay? Recently I read an article about fake Dupont, Cross and Montblanc pens sold at about 20 to 50 bucks while Mont Blancs Meisterstuck retail at about half a grand... I guess those craftsmen in China can imitate just everything. No brand is protected. Sad...
by Charlemont @ 13/07/2007 6:50 am • Permalink •
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I am not sure how many people relish using a fountain pen these days. I, for one, am such a person. I (re)started using one few months ago, after my better half got me a Parker Fountain Pen for my birthday and I found it a sheer joy using what we used to call ‘ink pen’. Sad thing is that these days, I seldom get to write anything and as a result, my handwriting has deteriorated considerably. Now, I make it a point to write at least few lines of crap just to relive the good old school days when we used to return home with fingers painted blue.
by Lesia Fontana @ 10/10/2007 11:00 pm • Permalink •
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