"Bluesea" wrote in message
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"Jimmy" wrote in message ...
"Bluesea" wrote in message
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"Jimmy" wrote in message ...
"Bluesea" wrote in message
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"Jimmy" wrote in message
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I've got a nice MontBlanc that I use at home, but since it's a
discontinued model, I don't like to risk losing it. I own a couple of
the Phileas. It is great value for money, with a smooth nib and
generous flow. There is something "off" about the shape though; it
feels less than sure-footed. Too wide? Funny balance?

The brass half-lining makes it disturbingly top-heavy for me. I later
got the Kultur which is balanced better although it's not as
attractive.


I hardly use mine any more. I'd still recommend it as a good starting
pen. It's not too clunky unless you post the cap.

I don't post the cap and it's still too top-heavy for me. I'm sorry to
see them go because that was the pen I usually bought for others. We
need to find another best-ever fountain pen to recommend and give as
gifts to newbies.

Preferably one that won't be discontinued anytime soon.


Yes, it's a shame that it is being discontinued. I've given a few Phileas
to newbies, and they have been really enthusiastic. I've given a few
Pilot 78Gs, but you have to use them yourself for a week to make sure
they are *really* OK. Besides, they are discontinued too.

I would say "Pelikano", but mine was disappointingly dry. If it would
only write a bit wetter, it might be quite a pleasant starter pen.

Sailor 1911 Profit 14Ks are almost cheap enough. I don't know how
consistently good they are though. They also use non-standard cartridges.

Yes, my Phileas recipients have been really pleased with their pens. I
also like to give pens that use carts that can be easily found. I've also
given the Waterman Ici Et La to women, but that pen's too small and
feminine-looking for me to give to everyone.


The Ici et La is a good suggestion, at least for newbie women, and seems to
be easily available. "Standard" carts are definitely an advantage, as
newbies can be reluctant to mess around with bottled ink. I included
converters with the Phileas, to encourage them to experiment. I think the
Ici et La is carts-only, unless Waterman do a mini converter.