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#1
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First time FP buyer/user
Hey there everyone.
I've grown tired of the "5 for $3.97" pens you buy at WalMart and thought I'd give a fountain pen a go. I'm a college student, so cost is a factor. I don't /really/ want to spend above $50. I'm also a complete newbie to foutain pens, so I want something that is relatively hassle free. At this stage, I'm not looking to be a collector (so, perhaps this is the wrong group :-)), but just have a desire to use something different. If anyone has any recommendations, that'd be great. Thanks for taking the time to read - and hopefully for taking the time to reply Arms |
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#2
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On 18-Apr-2004, ArmsTom wrote: Hey there everyone. I've grown tired of the "5 for $3.97" pens you buy at WalMart and thought I'd give a fountain pen a go. I'm a college student, so cost is a factor. I don't /really/ want to spend above $50. I'm also a complete newbie to foutain pens, so I want something that is relatively hassle free. At this stage, I'm not looking to be a collector (so, perhaps this is the wrong group :-)), but just have a desire to use something different. If anyone has any recommendations, that'd be great. Thanks for taking the time to read - and hopefully for taking the time to reply Arms One of the finest writing pens I have ever had is a Sheafer Triumph Imperial; currently being liquidated at Arcamax for $10. Take a look at: http://www.arcamax.com/cgi-bin/shop?...&offer=cs11418 x-- 100 Proof News - http://www.100ProofNews.com x-- 3,500+ Binary NewsGroups, and over 90,000 other groups x-- Access to over 1 Terabyte per Day - $8.95/Month x-- UNLIMITED DOWNLOAD |
#3
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www.oscarbraunpens.com has a very good deal on Waterman Expert II's (only
$19.98). The usual price is about $50, and the list price is crazy high. Also, check out the Pelikan 200 and Lamy Safari and Lamy Al-star. Richard "ArmsTom" wrote in message ... Hey there everyone. I've grown tired of the "5 for $3.97" pens you buy at WalMart and thought I'd give a fountain pen a go. I'm a college student, so cost is a factor. I don't /really/ want to spend above $50. I'm also a complete newbie to foutain pens, so I want something that is relatively hassle free. At this stage, I'm not looking to be a collector (so, perhaps this is the wrong group :-)), but just have a desire to use something different. If anyone has any recommendations, that'd be great. Thanks for taking the time to read - and hopefully for taking the time to reply Arms |
#4
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On Mon, 19 Apr 2004 00:51:15 GMT, ArmsTom said:
ArmsTom Hey there everyone. I've grown tired of the "5 for ArmsTom $3.97" pens you buy at WalMart and thought I'd give a ArmsTom fountain pen a go. I'm a college student, so cost is a ArmsTom factor. I don't /really/ want to spend above $50. I'm ArmsTom also a complete newbie to foutain pens, so I want ArmsTom something that is relatively hassle free. At this stage, ArmsTom I'm not looking to be a collector (so, perhaps this is ArmsTom the wrong group :-)), but just have a desire to use ArmsTom something different. If anyone has any recommendations, ArmsTom that'd be great. i've tried most of the ones currently available, and in my opinion, the nicest cheap fountain pen is the waterman phileas. if you want a piston filler, the pelikan m200 is also good. -- Send your questions to ``ASK ZIPPY'', Box 40474, San Francisco, CA 94140, USA |
#5
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ArmsTom writes:
Hey there everyone. I've grown tired of the "5 for $3.97" pens you buy at WalMart and thought I'd give a fountain pen a go. I'm a college student, so cost is a factor. I don't /really/ want to spend above $50. I'm also a complete newbie to foutain pens, so I want something that is relatively hassle free. At this stage, I'm not looking to be a collector (so, perhaps this is the wrong group :-)), but just have a desire to use something different. If anyone has any recommendations, that'd be great. Man, there are options and options for great writing pens under $50. Check out: http://www.swisherpens.com http://www.oscarbraunpens.com (I think that's right) http://www.fountainpenhospital.com just for starters. We won't even mention the vintage options at this point, but there are many excellent writing vintage pens that can be had for under $50. OK, I mentioned them, so sue me! Consider a Sheaffer Touchdown or an Eversharp Skyline for great cheap writers. Nathan Tardif is a great source for these- I don't have the URL handy right now but he's easy to find via Google. He's got a Web site through AOL called "repairpens." Richard Binder's Web site (http://www.richardspens.com) is a great source for information on vintage pens. |
#6
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"ArmsTom" wrote in message ... Hey there everyone. I've grown tired of the "5 for $3.97" pens you buy at WalMart and thought I'd give a fountain pen a go. I'm a college student, so cost is a factor. I don't /really/ want to spend above $50. I'm also a complete newbie to foutain pens, so I want something that is relatively hassle free. At this stage, I'm not looking to be a collector (so, perhaps this is the wrong group :-)), but just have a desire to use something different. If anyone has any recommendations, that'd be great. Thanks for taking the time to read - and hopefully for taking the time to reply Arms Hey, yourself - I don't think you'd go wrong with a Waterman Phileas. It's a wonderfully smooth pen and the kit (cartridges, bottle of ink, converter, etc.) costs ~$30-$35. Waterman also has a Harley Davidson Free Wheel that's available for ~$20. You might prefer a Cross ATX. It retails for $60 and $70 depending on finish but can be found for $45. The Parker Reflex isn't as smooth as either the Phileas or ATX, but at $7 (Wal-Mart, Staples) might serve well as a first pen for the wallet-minded. A converter can be bought separately from various sources online if you can't find one locally. I've got a couple of pens that cost more than $50 and $100 but still use the Reflex. I bought a Sheaffer Javelin for $15 only yesterday so, it's too soon for me to say how I like it. The converter is extra. Lamy Safari is also good. The cost varies from $20 - $30 so shop around. It's also available as the see-through Vista and aluminum Al-Star (though I've heard that the Al-Star finish scratches more easily than the Safari). The converter is sold separately. If you want to sample the fountain pen experience w/o risking too much capital, you might want to first try a Pilot disposable called Varsity that costs only $3. When you're ready to spend more than $50, please consider the push-button, retractable-nibbed Pilot Vanishing Point or the Namiki Falcon (my favorite) which has a flex nib. -- ~~Bluesea~~ Spam is great in musubi but not in email. Please take out the trash before sending a direct reply. |
#7
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ArmsTom wrote:
Hey there everyone. I've grown tired of the "5 for $3.97" pens you buy at WalMart and thought I'd give a fountain pen a go. I'm a college student, so cost is a factor. I don't /really/ want to spend above $50. SNIP In addition to all the other good suggestions, I like the Pelikan Futur. The Aurora Style would also just fit in your budget. This is a good price range to buy in: most people report excellent results with pens in the $10 - $30 range, which can't always be said for the expensive pens. You can afford to buy whatever feels and looks right for you. One old pen you might consider is a Parker 51 with Aerometric filling. You could, probably, find one in sound working order with minor cosmetic blemishes within your budget. More were made of these than any other single fountain pen, and there was a reason. Some find them a little boring, but they are excellent for someone new to fountain pens, as well as being a mid-20th century icon. Have fun |
#8
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One of the finest writing pens I have ever had is a Sheafer Triumph Imperial; currently being liquidated at Arcamax for $10. Take a look at: http://www.arcamax.com/cgi-bin/shop?...&offer=cs11418 x-- 100 Proof News - http://www.100ProofNews.com x-- 3,500+ Binary NewsGroups, and over 90,000 other groups x-- Access to over 1 Terabyte per Day - $8.95/Month x-- UNLIMITED DOWNLOAD Wait a sec. Did't think Sheaffer was making these anymore. A Triumph?? Where are these coming from that ARCAMAX can sell them for $10??? |
#9
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On Mon, 19 Apr 2004 00:51:15 GMT, ArmsTom wrote:
Hey there everyone. I've grown tired of the "5 for $3.97" pens you buy at WalMart and thought I'd give a fountain pen a go. I'm a college student, so cost is a factor. I don't /really/ want to spend above $50. I'm also a complete newbie to foutain pens, so I want something that is relatively hassle free. At this stage, I'm not looking to be a collector (so, perhaps this is the wrong group :-)), but just have a desire to use something different. If anyone has any recommendations, that'd be great. Thanks for taking the time to read - and hopefully for taking the time to reply Arms Phileas or Kultur (same pen, different finishes - same great nib) Pelikan M200 Pelikan M200 and maybe the Pelikan... just kidding. These are the two pens I started with and as others pointed out can be had for great prices at Oscar Braun Pens. You can ask Pam to check the nib for you (whatever pen you order) - I don't believe she charges extra for that but even if it's an extra $5 it's worth it. Why? because anyone new to the FP experience should have the best first experience with an FP possible. Since quality control is not what it used to be - even the most recommended pens can have problems. I've had at least 5 Phileases pass through my hands - all of which were inked and tested. All had very smooth, good flowing nibs. (all were fines I think) For the OBP price - they're great. The Lamy Safari is also an excellent pen but you may not care for the grip. Another aspect about ordering from Pam and other much-lauded on-line sellers - they have great customer service. if at all possible though - it would be good for you to test drive some pens before buying. weight is an issue - if you like a lightweight pen - I would stay away from the Cross and heavier Waterman pens. I believe the Expert II is fairly weighty. Pelikan and Lamy pens are quite lightweight. have fun. I don't consider myself a collector but an enthusiast. I have a small number of FPs (mostly Pelikans.) So any questions FPs are acceptable here. I also recommend checking out "Rambling Snail" and Pentrace. no URLs handy but easy enough to find with a quick web search using those names. *********************************** KCat - I am not a medical professional. The contents of this post are based soley on my experiences and opinions http://www.ghg.net/schwerpt/kcspages/ http://www.ghg.net/schwerpt/ASLFAQ/ ("`-''-/").___..--''"`-._ (`6_ 6 ) `-. ( ).`-.__.'`) (_Y_.)' ._ ) `._ `. ``-..-'' _..`--'_..-_/ /--'_.' ,' (()),-'' (()),' (((.-' |
#10
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On Mon, 19 Apr 2004 05:48:18 +0000, Bluesea wrote:
I bought a Sheaffer Javelin for $15 only yesterday so, it's too soon for me to say how I like it. The converter is extra. Once you've had a chance to decide about the Javelin, please post your thoughts. I'm considering getting a Javelin or a Rotring Freeway. Where did you find it for $15? I've mostly seen $20. Thanks, prashant. |
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